mites are little black dots, on a pastel would be easy as pie to see, if you see a snake like that at a show, not only stay clear of the snake so you don't carry them home to your own collection, stay clear of that breeder and let someone know so other peoples snakes don't get infected. I have yet to see mites at a show tho. that would be like bringing a bomb on an airplane.
old shed simply means that humidity isn't being kept up with resently, (tho most would frown upon a breeder who isn't keeping up with it) its really not a big issue, I would be looking for more IR issues, you can hear it when the snake breaths, they kinda click, its from the mucus in their throat snapping and if its a bad case you can even see it in the snakes throat. also if something just doesn't sit right with you, don't be afraid to just say no. saying always goes, if a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
there is no minimum size, most people just want to see its eating regularly, wether that be 3 meals 5 meals 10 meals is up to the person buying it. its nice to see a feeding record with a snake thats eating solidly. but your trusting the breeder on giving true information.
as for pastels, most people look for the yellowest snake they can find, or the one with the most blushing on them (all the faded spots on the black parts) or a combo of both. but their color fades as they get older, so pick the best looking baby and hope for the best.
good luck
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