Seems odd. 1293 used them as the center wheels on our 6WD setup (with Skyways for the outside), and we never had a problem with them all through Palmetto. (Look at
the videos on SOAP, and you'll see we weren't exactly being gentle with Chomp, either.)
We did have issues at times with popping chains on the gearbox-IFI-wheel route, but I don't have the evidence needed to pin that on any one thing. Besides, we remained mobile for all nine matches.