I got the HREs in 2006 and they have never bent. I found a curb that caused a bit of rash in 1 wheel, but that was it.
Honestly I've been driving the car mostly on the same commute and I kind of know where to go given the familiarity of the roads I am driving in.
Driving around with 19" and a sportier suspension takes a bit of getting used to. I think I've just been mostly lucky and been as careful as I can. Some of the potholes up here in New England would cause the same damage whether you run 18" or 19" wheels.

The HREs were great and strong. Hope the new Klassen will be just as great.