It's probably a good thing the by-pass never worked because at the size of that by-pass, the blower motor would be smoked ever couple months! More than likely a 6 or 7-inch by-pass would have been sufficient. As for the humidifier leak, I agree with putting a gutter under it to carry away and water but in all likliehood, nobody is servicing the accessories. That's one of the most overlooked items we find. Companies are more than willing to sell EAC's and Humidifers but none are willing to properly service them on a regular schedule. It's easy money and doesn't take much time but most companies don't do it. We do because we're there anyway on a tune-up and don't want the black eye of some "relative in the business/trade" badmouthing us at Thanksgiving when he looks at the furnace! You know they always do. That's all HVAC guys have to talk about, right? Admit it! And we've all got relatives, right? So...
If YOU want change, YOU have to first change.
If you are waiting for the 'other guy' to change first, just remember, you're the 'other guy's' other guy. To continue to expect real change when you keep acting the same way as always, is folly. Won't happen. Real change will only happen when a majority of the people change the way they vote!