I need to know if this is an issue to bring up with the flooring company or if this is normal. We had several rooms stained and poly'd - one room has older hardwood, the others have new. One room we can live with because the hardwood seemed to take the stain more evenly (first room they did - new hardwood). The other 3 rooms have areas that look blotchy. It looks like the rag stayed in one place too long. Uneven stain? Uneven poly? I get that boards will accept the stain differently, but within one board will there be a difference? Is it normal to look blotchy? I wish I could attach a photo! Will continue to try. Thanks!

Sounds like you should surely bring this up with the floor company.
It could be from sanding that has closed the grain from too much polishing or
not enough time for the stain to penetrate. If they popped the grain they may have not wet the floor evenly.
If you noticed, they should be able to notice, also.