A:
Answering my own question here...
After discussing with LG support I decided this noise may not be "normal" so I actually returned the washer as defective and had a replacement washer (identical model) installed by BestBuy. The service was great.
Unfortunately this replacement unit makes the exact same noise. At this point I'm deciding it is in fact a normal noise, however it is such a high pitch I suspect many people simple cannot hear it. It's not a major problem for us as we can close the door to our laundry room and not hear the noise at all anywhere in the house. So just a minor annoyance.
It would be nice if LG or BestBuy would document this issue, I'm sure it will cut down on needless repair calls and returns.