That doesn't sound right. Cheap AA primary cells may have poor self discharge (and low capacity), but decent batteries like Duracell Ultra Power with its Duralock that guarantees 10 years storage life are far, far superior. I think this forum post quoting 2% relates to rechargable AA cells which traditionally have very poor self discharge rates, but now you can get much better ones like the Duracells that are quoted to keep 95% of their charge over a year.
So decent primary AA alkaline cells are going to last for a very long time, just don't buy cheap ones.
Mark.
