You're absolutely right. A tree is a tree is a tree. Its' age has no meaning. It's like saying my mother is better than me because she is 90 and I'm only 60.
It's the PURPOSE of trees that is important and their PURPOSE is not to just stand around and look beautiful. It is a renewable source.
Wonder how many of those environmentalists have frame houses with fireplaces.
Wrong- The age of a tree does matter to the people growing them for lumber for the houses and offices and remodeling America does every day of every year. At about age 30, Douglas Fir is in it's prime. It starts to deteriorate and "age" very rapidly after that. Not of much use when over that age. Sorta like picking ripe tomatoes. Over ripe doesn't get it.