Sounds like poor quality control on Vibrants part since you are not the first to receive the Exhaust without the required clamp. I am with you, I don't trust clamps and prefer it to be welded also. I don't know why they didn't keep that piece together as a one piece unit?
Steve, does one of the ends slide into the other or are the the same size in diameter?
Thanks for the GREAT looking pics and your first impressions.
Looks like you got a Cat Front and back exhaust
Nice *****'s btw

I have 3 of them myself plus I feed about 5 strays that come to my house to eat not to mention the Racoons.