FYI, it was I who first "invented" & introduced the stowage lid cut off sides and corners to the BRs, They do help against water intake in "normal" conditions, but they alone do NOT prevent the compartment flooding in really bad ones.
Then came the neoprene seals, but they are unreliable, and, worse, if they work, they disable the boat from being re-rightable from a full turtle by a singlehander. I strongly advise against seals for that reason.
And BTW, my own BR did not come with any seals, as many other BRs do not have them, and on my younger BRe the neoprene seals fitted had moved from their proper seats through adhesive smear after one season. They are obsolete now.
The fact and truth of the matter is that the stowage compartments can -and will- flood in bad conditions, and will then diminish the seaworthyness of the boat when you need that most.
This is no idle chitchat, I have made this experience twice, last time yesterday. Don't tell me anybody "This does not happen".
The warning stands. Heed it.