are we sure it's inferior asphalt? As I sit here and brainstorm I have a feeling the problem lies with the underlying ground situation. Water will cause the ground under the asphalt to deteriorate and therefore the asphalt being soft will cave. Maybe some type of sealant will help the longevity of new asphalt work but then again it water seeps through a crack in the pavement we're back to a pothole. Water finds ways to seap through cracks or there may be a water source underground softening the ground