I was in Dollar Tree and saw packs of red glads, anemone blanda, and trigridia for 50 cents/pack left over from spring.
Went ahead and planted them... hoping maybe a few would germinate...the bulbs felt firm but were drying up.

I would bet your germination will be fine. Growing up in the north, my mother would dig up her Gladiolas and other bulbs every fall. She would overwinter them in dry cool conditions and replant in the spring. I'm sure the bulbs you purchased were stored properly also. Please let us know how they do for you...

I am the kind of gardener that will try anything - old, new - really doesn't matter.

I plant my glads in pots. I have them for years many were purchased at Dollar store and online late season sales. The first year I could not leave them out long enough to flower because winter came along, Once frost kills the leaves I bring the pots in and put them in my laundry room which is cool 60s and bring the pot back out the following Summer. They bloom fine second yr.