Fair enough.

I think the problem may have been solved anyway. First set wore out due to newbie behaviour/walking too much on them (inc. stairs) and second were perhaps not genuine (although the mate I got them from reckons they came from the Trek shop). Maybe a bad batch found their way into the Perth market?

Anyway, Amazon reviews show it’s a problem that effects many people from time to time and my latest set cleats are already wearing much better.

Time will tell!