This thread has been painful. From all ends. Truth is, that piece looks OK to run. For $170 that's a LOT of work. No it ain't perfect, but it arrived on time, and it's handcrafted.
There is no 'crack' in the intake. The joint was welded fully on the other side.
Looks: As a past tech, I've seen the prettiest parts run like crap, and ham and egg contraptions set records. It depends.
I feel your disappointment, but I'm not convinced S&R did you wrong.
ANMVQ: You don't need to agree.
Coop