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Hi Bob, my background is chemistry, retired research type.

Perhaps a possible though small route for a battery to self-discharge is not thru the case itself which of course is non-conductive but thru the accumulation of a dirt/debris residue on the case?

When I was at GM tech they said the reason batteries should not be stored on the floor is because the temperature difference between the cold floor and surrounding air caused the battery to discharge. In submarines sea water is used to normalize battery temperatures. So storing batteries near outside doors is also not good.

The other route of self discharge is dirt on the top of the battery which creates a carbon track.

When I was overseas the battery in my modern car held a charge for two years. As well many batteries at stores sit around for over a year without much harm, although it is best to purchase batteries with the latest build date.