The 0.80" shafts were only ever used on the B44 FT and never made in silver (stainless steel). I did make some SS 0.80" shafts once which were much more durable.
If it was a bad batch and they have actually fixed it you'd be able to tell if it's a good one by the machining where the smooth part of the shaft meets the thread.
Should be machined like this with a curved section between the shaft and the thread. The product photos here illustrate it well enough.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LX2598&P=7
Not like this
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXSZC1&P=7