After a couple years of regular use (in both taping and home gear - remotes, wireless game controllers, etc.) I've had 2 Powerex AAs go bad out of about 24 or so. I just wrote 'em off, but maybe I should drop TD a line to see if they'll send me replacements. Hmmmmm...
I know I'm not much help, but wanted to share a similar experience. Rechargables aren't perfect, and I've gotten far more dead or near-dying brand-spanking new alkalines in my time than rechargables, so I don't sweat much the occasional dead cell.