I have a GE Monogram side-by-side. The temperature in the freezer was running 10+ degrees above the preset (0) so I cleared out the contents and everything seemed to return to normal overnight (fridge side was also 5 degrees or so above set temp).

I also noticed that compressor is very hot (too hot to touch for more than a second) - is this normal? I have not heard the compressor turning off today. I'm not sure how to access the starter switch to test - it seems very tight between the compressor and cabinet.

I'm had some temperature drift in the past ... do you think I have a problem needing repair or perhaps just had the fan vent blocked (fan does blow cold air).

Your system probably has a refrigerant leak, probably on the high side of the compressor which is probably easy to fix by a pro.

Turns out the evaporator coils were just dirty and restricting air flow. In my (GE Monogram) model you need to reach pretty far back to access the coils then wipe up & down with a wet paper towel. Once clean the compressor stopped overheating (and shutting down thus preventing proper cooling). The fluid under the compressor is normal condensation that dissipates from the compressor heat. Compressor should run warm but not hot.

Maybe I was just lucky but it was a simple fix.