So far the batteries are safe from any soldering. And with the grandkids coming Saturday I'll probably charge them and use them in one of those Zip Zap Micros.
I did take disassemble one of my packs to see how they were put together. And to see why it wouldn't maintain 9.6. The answer was two bad cells.

If I get any of this done, it won't be until next week. There is no rush in killing a perfectly good battery.