Rapha, nice but a bit pricey?

I wouldn't hold my breath. Having worn them for your commute every day for a year and a half, I would say that it's just normal wear and tear. Not sure what the "life expectancy" is, but if I shall be happy if I get a year out of mine.

I have exactly the same issue. Basically gusset is completely knackered. In my more whimsical moments I consider sending them back to Rapha as shurely they should fix things i bought (Even in sample sale!) but I am not that much of a twunt