I agree with you there, if the dog aint been ruined and its seen abit of stuff recalls ok etc, then thats enough to work with and it my do someone for a few season as a usefull mooching lamping dog, might not be a world beater but it maybe good enough for what someone wants. Like you say some dogs dont mature untill that age. Many a dog overlooked and brushed to oneside due to its age imo.
or it could b apsalutly mustard aslong as the desire to chase is their learn it the lamp and it could be one of the best dogs sumone has ever owned