I considered that possibility so I looked for reviews on other sites and found some very positive comments on outdoorsmagic (5/5 stars with half a dozen reviews, non negative). I then started a thread there and got all positive responses from regular users. Fortunately I also had the common sense to buy these from an ebay power seller who not only has a long standing ebay store, but his own web store and sells hundreds of items. He has 100% positive feedback on ebay and promises to satisfy rather than get a negative feedback if customers are not happy. Army surplus gear is all graded ranging from commercial new and second hand new (ie bought, but not used ) through to grade 3. Grade 3 being extensive wear and/or repair. In between there is super condition and grade 1 and 2. The pair I bought was rated grade 1 which according to the scale are ' used, with some signs of wear, but no significant wear/or repairs'. If this isn't the case I'm sure the seller will replace to avoid my negative feedback. At the end of the day they were sold as 'waterproof overtrousers' so if they don't fit this description I will push for a replacement. Should arrive soon so I'll let you all know. Furthermore I have, as I previously said, used army surplus extensively when I was younger and perhaps less able to afford anything else (I am trying hard to remember any disappointments, but can't) and always found the gear did exactly what it says on the box..
Oh yeah! And my £100 goretex pants didn't keep my legs dry for very long so they can only prove equal to some techy stuff at a fraction of the monetary loss.