There was rtv there and I have done both sides of the gaskets at the coolant ports with the new gaskets. It's not the problem. Have a close look at the second picture, zoom in so you can see the edge of the gasket and you will see the coolant beads coming out the edge.
I don't have a way to zoom in, but you described it like the gaskets are soaking up coolant like a sponge and leaking out the outside. Definitely a gasket issue. Time to use something different.