Yes, poor old MikeS (SoCalMike) lives just down the coast from me. Hard luck for him and puzzeling that the exhaust should crack open on a '03. He does flog it vigorously and daily though on the interstate battles in SoCal. If it were my bike I'd forgo the free fix and use this as a perfect time to throw a Leo Vince on there, stainless or not.
Peace.