Well, it's not impossible, I suppose. Humidity plays a role in how quickly lacquer cures, and if your friend was living in a really humid area - like Kansas City, where I'm from, in the dog days of August when it's 100ºF and 100% humidity for weeks on end.
Theoretically I guess a guitar could be softer for longer under those circumstances.
But Martin doesn't send them out the factory door if the lacquer is too soft for the guitar to be safely handled. I've heard of all sorts of lore about things we're allegedly supposed to worry about with Martin guitars, but scratching up more easily when brand new isn't one I've heard before.
So I really wouldn't worry about it, frankly.
Hope this helps.
whm
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