I recently picked up a 2003 LOTR with the original batteries still intact. One advantage of the cheap alkaline batteries that Stern installed, is they rarely leak. Mine were no exception. Had they used Duracell, I suspect there would have been some damage to the board.
I wouldn't hesitate to buy any of these pins if I were in the market, especially LOTR & TSPP.
Steve (in Escalon, CA)