Okay, guys, it seems like this issue is indeed simply the result of sheer compression. It doesn’t matter the method, just the amount of compression needed to fit onto a single-layer BluRay disc.
So, I’m going to encode it at full bitrate and release that. If you want the best quality, that’s gonna be the way to go. It’ll be the more future proof option, keeping the quality as close to the source material as possible. If you already downloaded the first 1080p release, it’s fine as is, just had to be compressed a little.