I have two and really like them after trying a TSA15 at a Basschat gig (the TSA15 would qualify for inclusion too, probably). I think you might have to get yours looked at because mine are dead quiet and plenty loud. Although mine sort of went down in volume after about three years of use. I tried switching the output valves but it didn't help. I suspect the power caps might need replacement which would be a surprise because the amps have never been thrashed - volume never past 4. I agree about the brightness but that's normal for combos with small speakers.
I also have a 5F2 tweed clone made by a chinese company who export. I believe they're marketed in the UK under the brand Morris and are hand made with top notch components including orange sprague caps. The company used to ghost/OEM build the Peavey Classic 30. The amp is quiet, clean and plenty loud enough - louder than the TSA5's at the moment (because it's newer I guess). If you push it, the amp will get grindy and snarly but has more headroom than a 5E3.