yes were the hose clips on, there is a rubber base protecter, its good saves the ends from getting bashed about.
as for braking the sections, number 5 section broke whilst lifting off the window from an angle, in my opinion not a breaking angle. makes me wonder if there may have been a slight crack in it prior.
as for section 4 my own fault, whilst putting the pole up i was rushing and didnt slot it in fully, lifting off i heard and crack and that was that, however as stated i repaired this by stuffing loads of glass fibre inside the top join. This has sorted the problem as today was using the pole at height all day and it was fine.
dont let this put you off, it is a really good pole and so light.