I came across a picture of what I believe is a plastic "look a like" stainless braid. I have a suspicion that some or most of the reported problems are a result of these inferior plastic braids. See photos below:
Stainless (note the fine strands)
Plastic (note the pair of much coarser strands)
OK, Anyone out there honest enough to admit they've been fooled?
Stainless (note the fine strands)
Plastic (note the pair of much coarser strands)
OK, Anyone out there honest enough to admit they've been fooled?