I personally prefer Maintenance free batteries as it does not releases acidic fumes which causes corrosion and rust inside engine bay plus hassle free to check regularly and top up distilled water. Buying distilled water is the additional cost which should be add up to basic battery price.
Sometimes, when fluid gets overfilled during charging, then they dropped out and cause spots & damage to car body as well as marble/tile floor over which car is parked.
So when I compare this neatness, cleanliness then environment is my 1st priority preference over price or long running life.