I've stood under the great Redwoods in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove. I'm steps from the Largest Bur Oak in my state as I write this. I just recently beheld one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi in the
Angel Oak. Each moved me in their own way. They're definitely inspirational. I find myself captivated by old oaks and maples indigenous to my area, to the point that my wife jokes. Its always "fun" to hear her comments when I point out an ancient crape myrtle.
Still, why is there such insistence that bonsai need to reflect great age. Can not inspiration be drawn from an immature tree growing beautifully in a field, or alone on a hill? Can't a young tree be depicted just as artistically and beautifully as an old one? Must we only be inspired by champion-esque trees? Is it wrong to style/design/grow trees depicting an immature form?
I know I didn't answer your question, but its a start to some discussion ...and led me to searching out some of the champion trees in my state ( ...and more immediately, my county).