I was put in touch with this researcher by the breeder of the boa (you all know the breeder, I won't mention his name) and spoke with him on the phone. He's a little eccentric, but highly knowledgeable, and his exact words were "water's a killer in bottae" - even the breeder has said "Rubbers HATE water. They'll get really sick from soaking or otherwise excessive ambient humidity." I tend to agree based on my observations.