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Here's what I know about ringland failures while researching my WRX purchase:
1. They happened primarily in the '08 STIs. (The all new redesign for that year). Since then the number of reports of engines blowing in subsequent years has been reduced dramatically.
2. WRXs from the same years aren't nearly as effected.
3. Reasons for ringlands blowing are: bad tune from the factory resulting in detonation/NA emissions related, weaker cast pistons; stage 2+ abuse. Though there are generally no symptoms or signs before it does happen, making it a nasty surprise. It tends to generally happen within the first 20k.
Plus this design flaw makes the stock block just not as stout as compared to an EVO's. IF you want to sustain a lot of extra power 350-400whp+(which is a lot IMO to DD with reliably) then you'll want to buy and install stronger internals.
4. As far as warranty, I've heard of many stories of engines being covered, not being covered, covered even if modded, not covered stock...it seems like a wash. Though it'd be a safe bet to not be modded.
In the end, its not as big of a problem now as it was back in '08-'09 in the STI/WRX community, though it's still a concern in a lot of people's minds. And a lot of forums tend to suggest being careful while modding and always get a custom tune or reflash when installing things like intakes and the like.
Lastly it shouldn't have anything to do with the BRZ; like it's been stated, it's a brand new NA differently designed engine. But if you're worried about something like this happening (or any other kinds of problems), don't mod; keep receipts of your regularly scheduled maintenance and enjoy the car.
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