I would have never owned an older model 7 because I handled them and could feel that they were butt heavy/barrel light, the worst balance ever for shooting off hand. And working behind the counter at a gun shop absolutely does show you that the knowledge level of most shooters/hunters is extremely limited.
Something you really need to consider here is the fact that the one shown on gunbroker is in a Brown Precision stock. There is a world of difference in the balance of one in that stock (or an Edge or Bansner) vs a factory synthetic or laminate. It changes dramatically...completely different rifle.
