I have the misfortune of having 2 unmatching headlights. One replaced and the other the original. The original is quite flaked and makes my VX look uneven in the front. I tried a few things to get it right, but even plastic polish will do nothing once they have flaked. Looks like I have to get a new one to match and use polish on both occasionally to keep them pristine.
The insert is just a really bad design in general. They should have used plastic or vinyl. Fiberglass with no kind of protection on the back means it will soak in moisture and eventually bloat and crack. It's inevitable. We always complained about a recall for the windows.... hell, how about the damned insert?! I have the C/F1 scoop insert now and plan to paint it a matching flat gray like the original insert.
Headlights and inserts, both situations that seem like they will eventually go sour.
Gary Noonan
'01 S/C VX / '18 Forester XT