I think you pretty much covered it with "dead is dead."

Never been charged by a buff but it is not universally true that a buff cannot be turned, just in most cases! It is also not universally true that it is only wounded buff that will charge, just in most cases.

In most cases you are more likely to be charged by an unwounded elephant than an unwounded buff. Though both charges are potentially deadly, most intrepid hunters are saved by being with another hunter (the PH).

When the shit hits the fan it is usually the cool-handed shooting of the hunter or PH, or both, that saves the day. When that doesn't happen someone gets killed.