He seems fairly certain that there was nothing actually wrong with the spool valve. He's pretty sure that the rubber rings were swapped. There's a round O ring (cross section profile) and a rubber backer ring (that is square cross section profile) and it's critical that each is in the proper location...they are not interchangeable. The job of one ( I forget which one) is to handle the high pressure and they have the wrong rubber ring in that slot. We will find out for sure when we get new rings and reassemble everything.
Otherwise, it is a pretty nice splitter but it's a shame that Rough Made isn't standing behind their product.
But so far, we have only attempted satisfaction via phone calls. I guess it all depends on speaking with the right person.
We intend to compose a very detailed letter along with photos which we will send to someone in more senior positions. If, at that point they still don't stand behind their product, I think I will go on a rant on as many forums and review sites as I can. This splitter wasn't cheap and it leaked from day one. Rough Made needs to make this right. If they do then I will announce it. If they don't........