17's or 18's again?

I am hoping to get some feedback on what I should do. I put a set of 18x7.5 ADR Ikari's with Nitto 215/35/18's on my 97' Civic. Well, seven month's later and I have two bent wheels, and two ruined tires because they kept going flat. Has anyone else had a problem with their front tires gradually going flat? Now it will cost about $1000 to replace those two wheels and tires. Should I go ahead and do that, or should I buy a set of 17's with some tires. I can get a complete set of 17's for around that price, and from what I have heard, they never have any problem (more sidewall, more cushion, no bent wheels). The roads here in Idaho are a little rough in spots, but I didn't think they were that bad. If I could get some suggestions on some strong 17 inch wheels, or maybe a better set of tires to put on those 18' Ikari's, that would be great.

XittiX