I agree with all that you say here! After all, just like any other musical instrument, it has to resonate with the player.
The Collings, although in excellent condition, was already 8 years old, so it should have matured by now. I just didn't like it's voice.
My Breedloves on the other hand, both have a warmer voice, although with good articulation. I only called them lowly because of what I spent on them, not how I actually feel about them
I am patient so I will wait till the right mandolin comes along.