I have more experience with GSDs than mals, but given the right dog I know they could do the job!
I saw on one of your hunts you posted, you had what I thought was a Mal with you. Between their build for speed, strength and how smart they can be, I wondered how they'd do on a hunt but know how they can be overly energetic and a complete spaz. But I agree with you, they always need a job and with the right dog I think they could do it.