Hi,

The 14 bolts to 44 lb. does not sound right. 44 foot lbs. for those size bolts is a lot!
44 inch lbs. is way too little. As if you divide that, by 12 inches is for one foot pound.

Recheck the torque specifications for those bolts over a gasket. Fel-pro or other gasket cutting companies do, or should have, a recommendation for their materials. Some have a cold-set limit for squeezing upon installation.
I know these transmissions are used in Toyotas call around and see what kit is offered. They must have specific torque and materials they use.
You may want to look up what Chevrolet does to keep away leaks since its GM fluid. My '87 Chevy motorhome doesn't leak but I have it serviced every 10,000 but that takes years to happen @9 MPG.
I have one Volvo with an automatic and have yet to tackle a servicing on it.

A rubber gasket splitting does not surprise me. There are a billion different types of rubber out there and trans fluid will not like many of them!
You may also get a sealer made may be the way to go that holds up against Dexron III fluid. Again, if recommended by Fel-Pro's material.

Phil