This is an important issue. I'm sure the more experienced guys will drop in with their sage advice but it also merits hashing out here to reveal all the considerations involved.
Here are my thoughts.
For a bomb, if the cigars appear to have been well packed (bags, bubble/peanuts, new and sturdy corrugated outerbox at a minimum) and the package as a whole was grossly damaged then I would convey my thanks and leave it at that. If the package was not grossly, obviously damaged but the sticks have some issues, I'd still do the same under the presumption that no botl would intentionally send another botl bad sticks. I would assume that damage occurred in transit.
However, if the cigars were poorly packed (a bag and maybe no other cushioning, a reused, thin-walled or flimsy cardboard box) and this clearly contributed to the sticks being damaged, I would convey my thanks. I'd also mention that the sender might check out the various packing threads on CigarPass to prevent any future shipments he might make from getting damaged. If specifically asked whether or not the cigars were damaged, I'd answer honestly.
In a value transaction (trade, split, group buy) the sender still always has the responsibility of packing and shipping in such a manner as to prevent the damage or loss of value of the goods sent. Loss of value means sticks that are split (aside from tiny 0.25" splits at the foot, etc.), cracked, dried out, or otherwise physically or cosmetically damaged.
In a split or group buy, it is my opinion that the organizer warrants that sticks going out are of good condition and will be packed to appropriately protect them from environmental and physical assault. See the first bomb case above.
If I, as the organizer, receive from the supplier a damaged stick, I will typically take that myself if I am participating. If I am not participating, I will offer a participant the option of taking a refund on the stick (whereupon I would keep the damaged cigar). What I have commonly done is to send a picture of the damage to help them make their decision. In a sense, nobody, should be OUT money or goods. IMO, if I am offering to run a split/buy I should not be expected to totally absorb any losses that come up. Otherwise, what would the incentive be for people to run splits and buys if the accomodations are always expected to be punitive against the organizer
If the organizer packs poorly, then IMO he should be held liable for any losses. This means that you should make the effort to pack securely, perhaps even a tad overkill.
Wilkey