Fair enough but, for those of us with deep pockets and short arms selastic was invented, it serves as a sealing compound around posts on aging but still useful batteries, caps are vented for a reason.
There will always be a trace amount of acid, after equalizing particularly, that's why wiping down the tops of batteries is a routine maintenance and why we don't place items like inverters above batteries.
I am not trying to start a war of words, I just look at things practically and cost effectively, it realy is not hard to look after lead acid batteries just follow a few simple well documented rules and they will serve you well for a long time.
Allan