I disagree with the claim that it is OK to load a battery before fully charged "for the first time". The life of a battery will also be greatest if the first charge is started off gently and the maximum current is limited. If the current is too high the result will be excess heating within the battery which is wasteful and could lead to buckling of the plates and destruction of the battery.
The same goes for placing a load on the battery before it is fully charged the "first time". Heating the plates with a load can lead to buckling of the plates and setting the capacity lower than originally intended.
The battery will also perform better and better after several discharges (probably no more than 50%) and recharges.
When filling that battery with acid for the first time, it should also be allowed to sit for 1/2 to 1 hour so the plates can absorb the acid. Not doing this can also set the battery to a lower than intended capability.
AND The caps should "always" be in place when charging a lead acid battery.
