update: still cranking slow in the morning and the battery voltage drops in the morning despite a fully-charged battery two days ago..

but once the day progresses and the engine is a bit warm from use, the starting quickens up a bit, sometimes even one-click and it fires up.. really puzzling to be honest.. the guy at the battery shop told me i could have possibly bought an "old stock battery" which is really sad if true

will now have the starter checked.. hahay