me too - cracked basket (but got replacement)

Mine came with a crack in the basket, brand new. I wrote to the company and they wanted me to send in my basket for replacement. I balked, saying I didn't wanna be without one for weeks, waiting! (I could still use mine. It didn't leak or anything)... So I sent them photos instead of the basket w/ cracks. They sent me a replacement.

Grassman, haven't seen your photos but mine was cracked in the same spot. I've got photos too (well, obviously 8-)).

Other than that, I adore my Vert.

-B