I wanted to mention that back grain to you Ryan, but I didn't. After a bow is done and almost sealed it doesn't do much good to point out things to the builder, so I kept my trap shut. Im sorry that backer popped on you. That's what you get for pissing around with trim lumber instead of bow wood. If you want to fix that bow? Id rawhide the whole thing with some mega thin rawhide, just sand it down. The grain is a "C" shape and needs protection tip to tip.
Did you ask for a replacement Shinto? I would try it man. Bet they send a freebie.