Well neglecting it normally involves not feeding it, not heating it, not giving it proper water/humidity, at least in my mind. After all, snakes don't feel left out of life if the owner doesn't "play" with them, like a dog.

I think it will be far better off with you though, because at this point they were probably beginning to neglect it, and without them deciding to rehome it, things might have slid into a poor state for him. A single hide isn't as good as a properly set up enclosure, but it's far better than I feared at first. I'm so glad to read that you won't bet recieving a skinny, RI-infected, mite-covered snake! You'll have a good animal that will indeed hopefully live that couple decades since he's in decent shape already.

Of course, no one has stated the obvious.. we'll need PICS as soon as possible to see your new pet!