I just picked my mat up from the game store this evening. Then I shifted a game in progress to the new mat. If the mat wasn't there then the gaps between the tiles would silly, but since the background of the mat fills the gaps, I think it looks quite nice!

I agree that it is much less likely now that disturbing one tile will affect the whole board.

I asked customer support about this and the gaps are actually fully intentional to reduce disturbances to the board if it gets bumped or anything.

I have the message they sent me if anyone is interested in reading it.