6500 hours is pretty poor, though perhaps consistent with the quality one would expect of a giveaway item.

There are a lot of ways to avoid drama. The one I prefer in this case is to use only better known name brand bulbs. I understand it's no guarantee, but to me it's an inexpensive way to eliminate any possible issues from cheap products.

I believe "you get what you pay for". Power companies have done CFL bulb giveaways for PR because of public and political pressure, so they do it as cheaply as possible. If it were up to them, they'd be delighted if their customers put 150 watt incandescent bulbs in every light and fixture.