I noticed this some time back. I, too, was perplexed and contacted ARRL for an explanation.
Their answer was something like, since there was no corresponding LoTW upload from the QSL Card station, LoTW could not show confirmation. I had to manually enter "verified" in my log to clear this up. After doing that, it now shows correctly in GridTracker.
Their explanation sorta makes sense, but how difficult would it be to not only enter YOUR information from the card and THEIRS as well at the same time? That would solve the problem as they are in reality verifying the contact, but only "half a$$" at best.
Am I missing something here?
73's
George - WB5JJJ
HoIP - 100105
HH - 4969