OK some visual aids as promised:
The fluid is just to the split rings. This was taken this AM but has been cleaned 5 times before. You can see a bit of fluid on the batt top and around the cell cover perimeter. Other 3 cells are similar appearance. Plates are clearly visible in some of the cells but a few have a gray deposit (sulfate?) on their tops.
Batt was 12.6 at 63F this AM. Car not started.