Teabag,
I can't believe you brought me this bad luck! My WH started leakin' yesterday. Found the elbow (Qwest fitting) in the cold water inlet had a hairline crack and was drippin'. Replaced with a brass elbow. When reinstalling the 12' water hoses, they dripped water from all 4 end connections. Replace the end seals with fresh ones and still leaked. Install new hoses and all is well. Drying out the carpet with a fan this evening. Here's some pix to show you the sequence of events. Always something!
Leaking Quest fitting
Manifold setup with Quest fitting on both ends
No explaination needed
Finished set up! Note fresh brass elbrow and braided hoses.