/6 random thrown rod

That is a good start. Now look all around the filter and find the part number. See if you can take a photo from the other sides too and spot them so we can verify the PN. Then we can see if it right for the engine. (It certainly is not the FRAM that you overheard; so did they say 'mighty brand' with a tone of sarcasm? Yes..... it is a legit brand.) Brand looks to be TecSelect.

Yep, it can be depressing, but you need to try to perk yourself up and do what you can. Machinery will always fail one way or another; we all get used to it; you're just starting young. And you have a lot of folks willing to help. Finding out the failiure wil tell you if it is worht pursuing legally. Knowing that the filter is right or wrong is step 1.