The "crimps" are there to hold the rubber gasket in place during shipping and installation- but if the gasket isn't seated properly or is forced out of position when the crimping process takes place, it's gonna be an issue as your buddy found out. I'd closely inspect the new one before accepting it, and take the old one along to show them when they ask you why.
Yeh, I'm thinking the crimps were to hold the seal during manufacturing, shipping. I think it would be unnecessary from a properly made filter. I've never seen that crimping on any other filter. It does look intentional, not some random hits.
