Andersen Windows & Doors review: old and new windows

Ok, had 23 andersen casement windows since 1978. Worked well, no leaks ever, no drafts, for 15 years. Slowly, handles and cranks went one by one, weather seals, one by one. Finally had enough by 2012 with super storm sandy, lost lots of seals and gas. Over all, except for handle usage, i did not have any manufacturing issues. Time for a change. Had old windows removed and new 400 series double hung installed. Not replacement windows. All went well, until all the windows were in. When it was time for the interior finish work, while deciding on new trim, i happened to notice "daylight" oozing from all 4 corners of the windows, top left, right, bottom left right. Where the flange is attached to the wood full frame, manufacturing either ran out of sealant or whatever, or possibly in the course of hurried shoddy workmanship, there was a space where the flange did not meet the wood, and there was the daylight. I shined a flashlight through one night and it showed up big on my neighbors house. If i can see out, then rain and air can get in. What a nightmare. I was told, if the contractor had ran the sticky flashing completely over and around the flashing and tucked into the corners of the flange, this would not have happened. I walked around my sandy devastated neighborhood where there are dozens of home being rebuilt, and most just cover up to and over the flange. I did see 2 homes getting the full flashing treatment. Someone else knows the right way to do flashing.
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Even so, why is andersen shipping out windows with these defects in workmanship. Now they open and close beautifully, open for cleaning beautifully. I'm scared witless, worrying about all i am reading about the ice build up. Any suggestions? Because the contractor is a relative, and everything else was done very well, i decided to keep the peace and caulk up those spaces myself. Especially as contractor tried to talk me out of getting andersen. God i pray i don't have the trouble experienced by my follow complainers above. Still, i'm asking what to look for, just in case. Winter is 6 months away and maybe there is time to get on top of this possible ice problem. Thanks for any information anyone can share.