I had to use a 4 channel EWI XLR snake last weekend...connecting an X32 to some processing. I had forgotten how hard it can be to disconnect those black XLR's....had an assistant cursing pretty good!
I second what Gordon mentioned. I havent had any real issues with the EWI connectors. Maybe it was a bad batch.
I have many EWI cables. The ones with Neutrik ends are fine...the generics have always has a slightly bigger diameter...haven't used this snake in a while and I had forgotten they can stick.