I think those two color categories are very missleading and probably because of the modern reproduction market. The more I learned over the years, the less I like the either or of if it ain't seal brown, then we have to call it russet. There was certainly a range of browns used. I've seen an original Cable Raincoat that was a dark tan (I don't think it was faded) and an Aero that was very, very dark 'seal' brown that wasn't a re-dye. However, most that I've owned, sold or had my hands on were a middle of the road dull medium to darkish brown. Neither the overly red oxblood 'russet' that some makers try to pass off, nor the overly black 'seal' that they want us to believe was used on the darker originals. When I choose the colors for my repros, I want to look at it and think, "is it dark russet or light seal?" Because to me, that is about a perfect shade for an A-2.
Best,
-Kevin