Most ESCs these days (and certainly top end ones like Orion) have a default Lipo cutoff set to on from factory. You would have to change the setting yourself to turn it off.
Batteries however puff for many reasons. I have Orions that have puffed up too. I guess the most important aspect is to make sure you discharge them on "storage" on your charger before you put them away, even for a night. I think this is the worst thing you can do, leave them for a long time with too much or too little charge.
I am not sure why our Lipos are so dang sensitive, it seems like every other Lipo on the market (and they are now in everything from laptops to cameras) doesn't have any problem with being neglected. Maybe it's the capacity and the harsh use cycle, who knows?