You are forgetting the simple fact I already mentioned all the metal that makes up the negative pole of my battery is still completely covered with insulation, both in that particular area and everywhere else where it should be. Also, I already know exactly what's hidden underneath that insulation so there's really no need to remind me of that. Had the washer been truly as important as you say it is, manufacturers would immediately stop making it from flimsy thin plastic or even medium quality paper that's barely any stronger than a normal piece of printer paper. Finally, I also already implied it is impossible to pull the battery down because else I wouldn't be needing to
press it down instead.
You could have a battery with almost every bit of the wrap torn to shred and it will not matter as it wouldn't be the real issue, not as long as that ring is in place, held down properly and prevents contact/a short between the poles. The whole of the battery isn't an issue whatsoever, the only real "danger zone" is the top, where the positive and negative are separated by a very small gasket/distance.
Seriously, all batteries that are cylindrical are made like this. Why they stick to a paper/plastic ring is because under normal usage it's enough, and cheap for them to make them that way. These batteries were/are intended for flashlights, to be wielded for cars and laptops and the such.. Vaping was not and still isn't a concern for these people, if anything, some actually have warning to not use their batteries for vaping purposes now.
This is no different from car engine gaskets being made of paper. These are very important so why are they still made out of paper? Because it does the job as intended.
Until you've seen a short happen, seen one of these batteries vent or worst, you lack giving them the respect that they deserve... I know that I wouldn't touch/use a battery with a busted ring until I've replaced it, no way in hell. So well, take it badly if you must, but I will "remind you" and state that you do not appear to understand the risk and the fact that the ring IS the most important safety feature on that battery. Put in another way.. if it wasn't "that important", why do you think that it's there then.
You asked if you should "retire" it, I'm giving you the answer: replace the ring (and the wrap) before you use it again, and in the meanwhile, put it away in a safe place. The goal is to prevent any chances of the negative making contact with the positive.
You came and asked about it... why are you so sure about it now? I know that I'm certain about my answer and the advice I'm giving you because I've done a lot of homework on these batteries, as when I first started getting mods that took these batteries I've had one vent on me because I didn't know at the time how important those rings were as I got it caught on my mod's contact pin.
For your charger, not sure what you're getting at as I stated, I have the very same D4 charger myself, and I've yet to have any issue because I pull the batteries down to remove them, preventing any sort of contact at the top. When I put them in, I pull the slider all the way down, put the battery positive side in first, and then release the slider.
Good luck, and hopefully you'll set aside your pride, accept that maybe, just maybe there's something to what I've stated to help you here.
But hey... if you want to insist with what you're saying here and not take the advice I'm providing, I guess that I'll see you as a news story at some point.
