In the Classic owner’s manual RevG 2056, page 10, "How to KILL Your Batteries," it says:
"Not using ALL EQUAL LENGTH interconnect cables on each string (It is important that ALL strings be wired EXACTY the same way. Any variance in resistance on one string vs another will cause in-balance and the batteries will be dead in less than 6 months)"
How would this happen? Wouldn't the system have at least the voltage of the least resistive string? :o :-\
Depending on what type of battery you are running it would take a lot longer and larger diameter heavy connecting leads have less resistance. To be fair it is not best practice and I would say to only use leads in this way in an emergency to get your system up and running.
ASAP ensure the makeshift leads are replaced with equal length suitable diameter leads to ensure the life of your cells. There are also instructions on the net to show correct sequence to ensure all your batteries get a balanced near as equal charge.
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html (http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html)
I hear you..
And do not leave them sitting around for 12 months without proper charge waiting for you to get yourself organised and them connected!
::)