Besides, even if the old battery was salvagable, it couldn't have been better than a brand new battery, which they gave him for free, so he still made out better than having his old battery.
Sometimes, far from home, the easiest solution is the best solution.
BTW, here is the thread about the Saab alternator that works in W123s:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=93569&highlight=saab+alternator
As I recall, it is an easy to find alternator, but requires you to modify the case a tiny bit, by unbolting the cover, rotating it a few degrees, and bolting it back on. Something easy like that.
The thread will explain it all.
peace,
sam