I've noticed that when I change mine, but I think its quite normal. I know what you mean about the paper element looking a little deformed, and no longer uniformly folded, but it is paper, you'd kinda expect that. Its probably laminated with some sort of plastic that must stop it breaking down and actually tearing, which I've not yet seen. I know its not pretty but have you had one actually break down structually?
The other thing with these filters, and dont hold me to it, but I think they work as a valve to keep the oil in the head once the engines stoped runnning, keeping it from all draining through to the sump and the engine starting dry as such. I think thats why there sprung loaded and have a little round seal on one end. It might also keep the oil pressure on the hydrolic tensioners? just a guess that though! lol.