1. The fret wire is universally flat and wide. This didn’t affect the notes just found it odd compared to fender frets.
Standard with Gibsons of that era and especially Rippers. A matter of taste and being used to it.
2. The 3 point bridge was screwed down to the body, the overall setup was nice but does that indicate a neck adjustment problem?
As above. They had to be screwed pretty low to bein with because the saddles initially used were way too high (the became less tall over time). No neck realignement or new bridge neccessary, just file the saddle notches deeper if need be.
3. The nut has been replaced and it doesn’t match the space of the old one, it's smaller but the string grooves are fine.
Purely cosmetical.
4. There's a chip taken out of the ebony fret board between the 1st fret and nut, didn’t affect playability but should deduct from the premium price they’re asking.
Cosmetical and price-decreasing.
5. The vari-tone dial is loose and didn’t work but apparently it does intermittently by wiggling it.
"Intermittently by wiggling it" is not enough for a Ripper of that price, have them fix the vari-tone so it's no longer loose and then play it to see if it works then. It should. Getting the right entrails for a Ripper is not that easy anymore if there is anything wrong.
6. The pickups sounded OK.
Just ok? You should really dig them, there is little point in buying an old Ripper and then chucking the pups out because you can't live with the sound. Rippers have a deep sound (that can be scooped via the varitone and the midrange control), but they are not violently assertive basses like a Ric, Stingray or P-Bass can be.
I shall be very happy if the value of my four Gibson Rippers (plus two Epi Rippers and one Gibson Ripper II) has risen that much over the last decade or so, but I find the shop's offer pricey for an instruement they have seemingly put no work in (unless there is a significant markup on everything Down Under), 1,000 USD should be more like it (even if you count in that a shop is the seller). 1,400 USD for a pristine, well-kept one with everything in working order and no obvious replacements.