Username validation allowing spaces in J3.2, then giving the warning after uploading avatars

Hi,

I am on EasySocial 1.09 and Joomla 3.2. J3.2 does not allow user names with spaces or special characters. I modified the username field in admin to warn people about this. The problem however is the ES workflow, which on page 1 of registration CORRECTLY VALIDATES a username with a space and lets them go on to step 2. After uploading avatar and cover photo and clicking on continue, is when the red error message appears.

I have already seen two registrations bounce because of this today. I know it's not your fault, just letting you know so something can be done to modify the username field validation to not allow incorrect usernames in J3.2.

[EDIT]
I would also like to add that even using correct usernames, the user cannot log in afterwards. The user is created and visible on the site, but the only way they can log in is if I edit the user in ES and re-enter the password. Otherwise the message "the user name and password do not match or you do not have an account yet"
[/EDIT]

Thanks