Product review (5 stars): It was easy to install
I was very nervous purchasing this gasket, as I read the reviews about it being thinner and flimsier than the original part.  However, when the gasket arrived,it was absolutely identical to the original. It was easy to install, took care of my leak, and has been working flawlessly for a month now.

I believe the people who posted the negative reviews bought the gasket from other sellers than those that are listed as "Fulfilled by Amazon."  If Amazon is fulfilling your order, the odds are much higher that it is a genuine Whirlpool part as opposed to a replicated part.