I wonder if you could call the breeder's vet. They probably would not say anything to negative, but anything short of a ringing endorsement, you might be able to read between the lines?
I am a lab guy ( for the last 40 years) I also would not want a lab breed for hunting way to alpha, way to hyper. I know nothing about Springers in that regard though
You might try craigslist, might find someone who just wanted to breed one litter of pups for friends and family and has an extra or two. Just did that with our current lab, he is great. Just some random thoughts
As an after though I am sure you are probably aware, with the Covid, dogs are in high demand right now. Selection has gone down and price has gone up. At least that was our experience in the last month