Wow.. Sorry to hear about the bad luck everyone has had with this cam.... I purchased one from Walmart thisearly Sep2008 I put it out in the field and wow! it works totally awesome.
I noticed that if you set it up as IR it's IR for DAY and NIGHT that is why your day shot colorslook off. I set it for both and found that the flash was the best. IR is not really needed if you set it for one picture only. I have found if you set it for 3 or more pics it will spook the deer. Also cover up the red and green led light with tape. I have had this in the field for almost 2 months now and have had no issues just awesome shots of bucks - even sparing -

I live in Michigan and the weather is ruff out there but so far this camera has held up flawlessly. I changed the batteries only once.