The 90 deg angle pipe in the pic is what I meant by trumpet, common mod with twin batteries is to remove the trumpet assy to get battery in and then let the car breath from inside the engine bay, might also help in your case to keep the water away from the filter box?

The exhaust leak you have pictured isnt enough to be of any concern.

Thanks for the replies folks.
I've ordered plugs that I'll keep in glove box in case I have to go wading

The exhaust leak huffs badly under throttle, the whole engine bay near it (washer bottle, air box, jack areas). Everything is as black as the filter. I don't think its helped that's for sure.
I've nipped it up and got it under control for now so i might remove the trumpet

Cheers