RE: Fun Factor-Doesn't this defeat the purpose?
Thats too bad about that manufacturing defect, CEN would replace that for free, but you would have to wait a very long time to get a very small and inexpensive part. You could just go out to a hobbystore, or order a new air filter online. Heck, get a good one like a motorsaver. It will increase performance a little, and will last a long time.