I think you are being a bit hard on the manufacturer because you had some bad luck. The internals aren't packed very tightly from what I remember seeing, and it's already quite bulky. Making extra space inside probably wouldn't make it much less fragile and plenty of my kitchenware might not survive a fall unscathed either. I'm not gonna blame the nutribullet if i step on his lead and he falls on my foot and then starts to pour out smoke "May have actually happened, only name of the product has been changed to protect the innocent (manufacturer)".This means that the user experience is not as easy as depicted. Kitchen ware imho should absorb the odd fall from a less than 1mt high table.
Your performance issues were because it wasn't working correctly. If that heater screen isn't sealing properly you will get lack lustre results I'm sure. One thing most would agree, a working bowle is not is lacking punch.
I agree if you do give it another go a local supplier will avoid the customs vandals.