Yes, this is known from the prints by Shapeways. I personally have not experienced it to be as severe as you describe, but every user-case is different off course!

With the way it is currently constructed, it will probably be quite easy to replace the casing later on. The 3D files (and all other files also by the way) will be open-sourced, so you will be able to buy parts separately aftermarket.

To conclude, whatever the construction method, there are always up- and downsides to every choice we make. The focus on this project is on functionality and durability, and all decisions are made to be inline with this. Possible colour fading after some months is not preferable, but given the ease at which they can be replaced aftermarket this is imo well mitigated.