I don't know anything in particular about the GK amp you are dumping on in your post, and I do not care to throw any gasoline on this topic - but as long as you put it out there, I think many would prefer an amp that failed gracefully (even in a somewhat ugly way as you describe for the GK) as opposed to an amp that simply shuts down like the PF500 (or possibly the 7Pro), and leaves you totally silent.
I am one of those who had my PF500 shut down on a gig (without it being pushed hard at all), and I know I would have preferred it to "brown out" a bit rather than just crapping out on me. With a "gentle failure" the gig can keep going (or at least you can finish the song or the set), with a total shut down, you are done.
peace bass brothers