Scuffing embup a lttle might help the water get thru a little better like @JP1 saidive also heard a drop of superthrive can help. I just recently tried to germ seeds that were 15+yrs old and out of about 25seeds i got 2 to germ and one was female. When i use fresh seeds i have almost 100% germ rates So it could just be age. Wishing you the best results, hopefully you can get some of those JEMs to get going!!
I went and got some 220 grit sandpaper from my garage and gave the seeds a scuff on the end and along the seam on the side.
So we shall see.
Thanks for the advice, guys.