A couple of keywords in your post struck chords that resonate in my head.
Partially air dry... if you want dry, this ain't it. This is a term used by people trying to not give a moisture content. It has no meaning and is not connected to any measured moisture content. Safe interpretation, green. If you want a moisture content, agree ahead of time and quantify it in the purchase agreement.

Standing dead... beetle or fire killed. Sometimes also used to mean that in the interval of time between when the chainsaw left the tree and when it hit the ground, it was standing and it was dead.

I don't understand the discoloration.

If moisture content is critical, meet the load with a meter and do not allow it to be unstrapped until you are satisfied.