My solution may be a little odd, but I've been using a SCSI Ethernet adapter and a OS 8.1 in Basilisk II as a file server. Conversely I use to just use floppies and Basilisk II to get the data off them.
I just wanted to confirm that I've also seen this happen with pretty much any brand of battery so it's not a really Maxell problem. I've noticed it's most likely to happen, but obviously not limited to, the really compact models like the original LC line. Obviously in more confined spaces...
As far as I'm aware most older Adaptec cards should be supported fine. The only issue you'd run into is finding Mac versions if you want to be able to boot from them.