Paul,
Please don't take this the wrong way, but the fact that a badge, slider or lugs must be genuine because they don't bend easily is not a rule I would ridgly apply!
I'm trying to think of a thechnical term for this philosophy, which many adhere too, but the only one I can come up with is;
"Total Boathooks"
There is far, far more to establishing the authenticity of a badge than whether or not it is "Bendy"
You should concentrate more on, quality of strike, style of font, attention to detail, patina, shape of fittings, makers markings and overall quality!
I have said this in the past and repeating it again, DON'T BEND BADGES OR THEIR FITTINGS" It means very little and could have disasterous or costly results! If I were offering a badge for sale and a prospectiive buyer attempted to "Bend It", I would certainly not stand by and watch them carry out such a ludicrous "acid test"! Tyre kicking for badge collectors!
Andy