All the good stuff has started to be removed from batteries? Prove it. What "good stuff"?

This sounds like just another scare-mongering attempt at getting folks riled up.
Does it make you proud to post fake news?

Lead-acid batteries have been around for more than 150 years and the basic chemistry has not changed. Some alloying elements are added to the lead to make the plates stronger, but this has been going on for 50+ years. The AGM battery is the latest type but this is more of a change to the structure of the battery with the electrolyte absorbed in fiberglass mats between the plates. These are the batteries to which you cannot add water.
The EPA keeps a very close eye on lead acid batteries because lead is proven harmful to human beings in relatively small doses. Of course, lead is harmful in larger doses administered in the form of bullets! The goal seems to be 100% recycling of the lead in car batteries, not removal of any "good stuff" from those batteries.

If the EPA had more clout they would probably outlaw lead acid car batteries and force conversion to Lithium-ion batteries. BUT, they have not done that, and I don't think they will in the near future.

The California Condor is making a comeback in the wilds of Northern Arizona, but because they eat dead animals and people still shoot animals with lead projectiles, the condors have problems with lead poisoning. If you are close or are coming through the area, stop by the Lees Ferry area of Northern Arizona and see the condors that have been settled on the Vermilion Cliffs. They are truly impressive creatures.

The best advice on battery value AFAIK is:
1. Read the latest Automotive issue of Consumer Reports to see which company has been making poor quality batteries lately.
2. Buy the absolutely freshest battery you can. They all have date stickers on them and the shorter a time they sit on the shelf the longer they'll last.

R.