Jason...very interesting, and it makes sense. I wonder if you looked at rub tree diameters as a function of muscle mass (or age) what the results would be. Wonder is theres a certain diameter rub that a 2.5 physically cannot make.
Barnes...I just read that you believe the rub was made in January. That tells me that you found part of a matures bucks core area (the part of it that he frequents after the hunting pressure turns up). Scout that area with the snow, and hang a stand with late season (at the least) in mind for next year.