Yeah I noticed the lack of brown line connecting the nose area to the rest of the muzzle in the dead pics. The mount has a definate distinctive brown line that shouldn't be there.
I always inform customers if something is wrong with their cape. Generally it is when the bring it in and I notice bad odor on the skin. Even if the hair isn't slipping I tell them the cape is iffy and I will do what I can. I will put stop rot all over an iffy hide that still has tight fur after I flesh it. Then it gets salted and drained for a day and I then resalt and run a fan to dry it quick. These tend to come back just fine from the tanner. One reason I send all deer capes to a tanner is consistancy, rather than trying to deal with PH and salt myself ( I also have back and shoulder problems and just can't run a round knife for shaving). I use Carolina Fur Dressing and get them wet tanned. I do however tan small games and the small and medium furbearers here in shop. I've got time proven methods I've developed for these type hides.
If a cape is slipping when it comes in or when it thaws, I let the customer know they need a new cape.