Any pics would be great. Im 230+ and have used the same bridge for several years and have not seen anything indicating wear. There was a post earlier of a new mantis fraying and it was just the bury end wasnt fully burried. Some of the colored amsteel does lose its dye. Heck when I use green my fingers are green just splicing it. My silver is looking more white than when it was new, but I dont think color indicates wear.
You're correct color may not indicate wear but what about fraying? While it may not be an immediate danger, I still don't like seeing it. I realize this may seem like minimal wear but this photo is only about 8 hunts and I'd imagine that it will only get worse from here. Wax may hide it and it may last a long time regardless....but I still hate seeing it and don't want to mess with waxing my bridge if I don't have to. The simple fact is that this is a very light and very soft material.
The "flat spot" directly above the loop in the first picture is the center where the carabiner sits most of the time. It flattens out and gets very shiny in this spot where the carabiner rubs. This is further magnified since this area is in between the buries and therefore thinner than the rest overall. Amsteel also appears to have a pretty good "memory" in this application as it is very easy to see the spot where the carabiner sits even when the bridge is stretched out straight. I know that spot has to be wearing faster due to the steep angle and carabiner friction.
I'm sure mine is still safe as is and I'm definitely not bashing the Mantis, just trying to point out my experiences with the bridge material so far. This amsteel stuff is new to me so I'm learning as I go!
Upon closer inspection, the 2nd picture has to just be part of the bury poking through the outer fibers. The braid on the outer fibers is very "loose" especially when you pinch it in two spots and push together (like a chinese finger-lock) making it much easier for this to happen.