With this type of enclusore I wonder if the SSC/DSC could be designed to have an RJ-45 plug on the board and you bring your patch cable straight inside here rather than needing the pigtails anymore....Seems like lots of water/corrosion discussion around them (maybe this would help?).
Plus you wouldn't have to remember to put the caps on the wires before soldering the ends on! Good find, thanks!
It has happened to me a few. Now I just thread the caps on all pigtails and connectors before I start soldering.