I think we might have finally figured out what happened.
During the install, as we were tightening the top nut on the strut shaft, I remember the strut turning on my while I held it. I thought this was the entire strut that turned, but it may have very well ben the shaft itself, of which is threaded into the body, and more than likely damaged the seal causing them to blow.
IDK why, but for some reason I feel better now?
Anyways, I told the advisor to go ahead and replace them with factory. This will give me some time to save up for a decent set of aftermarket struts, probably Koni Yellows or Tokico D-Specs, but I can afford them later on.