I have two humidors. All of my posts have been about the smaller unit. It failed to season after two weeks with a wet sponge. I then applied food grade silicone to all interior joints and inserted a wet sponge, but at the end of two weeks the sponge had become entirely dry and the rH was 58. In successful seasoning, at the close of two weeks, though less wet than when inserted, the sponge still has some moisture, and the rH is in the high 60s.
My latest intervention was to apply blue masking tape, and I have once more inserted a wet sponge; we'll see what happens at the end of two weeks. The lid now closes with a "whoosh."
I did perform the flashlight test but wanted to clarify the procedure, which I understand to be to put a flashlight turned on inside the humidor in a dark room and look for light at the seal. I saw none.
I am happy to report that my second larger humidor seasoned correctly, that I have transferred my cigars to it, and with beads it is maintaining 64 rH. Beads are magic.
Had I understood the correct outcome of seasoning and the procedures to achieve this at the start, it wouldn't have taken the two months of trial and error, and then coming to all of you screaming "help,!" which I very gratefully received, to season correctly. But I guess mistakes are for the learning
Thank you to all who have shared their knowledge!