I got the X50 off BlackOvis during a sale for $80. I haven't had any issues in 2 seasons but I blast mine with waterproofer before each season and I would recommend a bino shield, they make one. I used my old Kuiu one.
I love mine, and like the ability to store my range finder in the front, winder in the left, and rain shield in the right with lens cleaner/anti-fog/rag where it fits.
I think just storing binos wet will be the issue. But you can also stuff a rag/water absorbent towel in a side pouch too and wipe them down before putting them back in if really wet and storing them under a rain jacket when not in use helps as well.
I also had the strap issue, but i took my buckles off and flipped them around and that seemed to work enough for me....very odd that issue pops up and I've heard it a lot.