I definately agree with those thoughts... I have somewhat of a problem with both terms, although I use the term "mint" in my personal database to describe a chip in perfect condition.

I have a number of chips in my collection that I think could be accurately described as "uncirculated" but which I would have a problem describing as "mint" (for example, just about all of the Hollywood Park Year of the Serpent plaques from last year were pretty scratched up... uncirculated YES, mint NO).

I also have some absolutely perfect chips that I have taken off of tables in the midst of play.

"New" works just fine for me.