edit: I just found that the QR code of the private keys works. strange
It would be good to know what the problem is. Did the QR code decode to a different private key than was printed? If so, we would want to provide feedback to the maintainer of the bitcaddress code so it doesn't happen again.
The first and last letters of the private keys generated by the QR code and printed on the notes seem to be the same. So for the moment I have just 2 suspects:
1. When i copy a private key from the pdf note some extraneous character get inserted or whatever (maybe a space in the middle that i did not notice)
2. The fact that I generated the paper wallets on an operating miner puter (with undervolted and overclocked radeons at work) could have messed some thing up (?)
If anyone had similar weird experiences with bitaddress he's invited to share them here.