I got that problem also. The lever pulls almost to the bars, which isn't good (for me)
I've had the rim since January and i have a few lil dents and its slightly flat spotted but dnt really bother the brakes. As for grinds, well i i put one on the other day, It looks good, but i cnt test it as my hubs fecked!
Get one there ace! and for that price...............