Streaks of Adhesive / Glue in Premium Guard PG4612

[Gravity_Wolves]

I poked around with a plastic tool and removed some bits without too much effort. It doesn't feel brittle. Maybe like an epoxy. I'm reconsidering how I want to handle this... C&P's have shown sloppy glue on the inlet side of filters. Those bits are probably as likely to dislodge and get through via bypass...

Did you ever find a resolution to this problem? Or did you just get a refund from Walmart?