[Avodah] psak from aged

[Joel Rich]

[I'm converting the opening quote to something our digest software can
handle. -micha]

Rambam Hilkhos Sanhedrin 2:3:
    Ein ma'amidim bekhol haSanhedrin
    - lo zaqei muflag bashanim
    - velo saris
         mipenei sheyeish bahen akhzariyus
    - velo mi she'ein lo banim
  	 kedei sheyehei rachaman.

Given the above, was there ever a time in halachic history where a poseik's
psak was (or his ability to give psak) was questioned based on this
exclusion? If not, why not?

Bsorot Tovot
Joel Rich