People always harp on about customer service from manufacturers, but they're not really set up for it. Most problems that you'll have a serious need to moan about (ie related to construction) will occur in the first year, in which case your relationship should be with the retailer, not the manufacturer.
As for muddy bass, I think Ashdown know a thing or 2 about tight low end.
On the gain issue, if you are using medium to hot output pickups, then I can't see you'll have a problem. There is a volume boost on channel 2 anyway, and you could use an overdrive pedal set fairly clean to get extra volume boost (a la Zakk Wylde) if you want (which would also allow you to get those great rock tones should your musical spectrum broaden).
