I too have heard the rumour about some 737's with lap joint's damaged by "poor" use of the knife but, don't forget the aircraft mentioned are 737-200's. These aircraft are Virtualy un- saleable any way. That might explain thier grounding/scapping. Now weather this "damage" is being used as an excuse to get some money out of somebody is another story!!!. I personaly cannot see a fine upstanding company like Ryanair stooping to such low tactics.
Rgds Dr I.