I think the last reply to the post over on the 3 rail site pretty much summed up the battery info that I, or anyone else would need on the matter.
I guess most of it depends upon if you have a PS1 engine with a chip that will scramble or not, how many of the batts/bcr's one has to buy, if you have access to cheap rechargeable replacements, and if you do not mind delving into the "innards" of a tender or engine shell every few years.
I am pretty sure I know how I will proceed. Thanks, Greg