I'm not trying to hijack your thread in any way but I built that model with the same decals and I had no problem with them. The decals were quite old but I kept them in an accordion folder in the original plastic zip-lock bag they were shipped in. I had one self-induced mishap with one of the red bands on the vertical stabilizer. Fortunately, Model Master Insignia Red is an EXACT match for the colour of that band. I had no cracking / splitting / shattering issues with the decals. I made sure they were able to slide freely form the backing paper and they slid into place very easily. I was able to move them around to their desired spot with a wet paint brush. After removing the excess water with a cotton swab, I applied Solvaset and the decals settled down very nicely. I even used a couple of the kit supplied decals for a bit of extra colour. They were very easy to use as well.
For those decals you haven't used yet, perhaps lay down a coat of Future or Liquid Decal Film to prevent them from shattering?
Good luck.
Mike