i just got my pneumo and so far like it. it's much more low-profile than cheaper cans (i.e. less mongaloid-looking) and so light i hardly know it's on. and i really wanted to support Bell and get their competator (i think it's the Sweep?) but it looks a little too swooshy. although i have heard that
Bell is way better with customer service than Giro.
sorry to hear about your experience. i would slap some tape on the crack and avoid bugs.
(edit) chimbly, what kind of crack does it have? on the outer shell, or the styrofoam?