While I don't doubt peoples experience with "filter squish", it's just so weird because I have a 2006 Mazda3 2.3L and I have never seen this on my car with the OEM, or the Wix filters. (I haven't tried Purolator)
I wonder what the differences could be between cars, or even filter changing techniques that would cause car A to squish filters, and car B to not?
My factory installed OEM filter was just ever so slightly "twisted" when I removed it, and my 4 Wix filters have always looked just like they did when they were installed. (except a little oilier!)
Anyway, I will continue to use the Wix #57203's until I see one come off of my car like the ones in the pics above. I ordered (and have at my house) the 2.0L filter conversion kit, but I don't want to install it until I see a twisted filter, or I'm out of warranty.
Darryl