Rubber band used for elastic around ankles?

I have never seen such cheap manufacturing practice as in this product. I liked the feel and the color of these sweats but the ankle was a little tight so I decided to make them straight leg. Upon opening up the seam I found a rubber band on both legs. What happened to elastic ribbing? About a week later the draw string came unstitched in the back and came out making me more irritated. I tossed these sweats. I remember Russell having good quality back in the 90s! What happened?