Hey Don,
Yes, I really enjoy them now. A few days ago the sound started to irritate me and I didn't like them at all. But from yesterday, the sound seems to have rounded out well. I'm really enjoying these VERY much!
I continued to listen to those same genres and the same songs to see if there was a change, and it seems to have been one. At one point I found myself using the eq RPGWiZarD created for someone in their iTunes. I kept A/Bing with eq off and then with eq on almost everyday and now I don't even need the eq on either device. (I used eq on the Mac more for some reason).
I also went outside with the headphones a few times, and although I had a hoodie on, it was very comfortable and believe it or not - I really appreciate having them semi-open. I live in a rough environment and being able to hear what's going on around me while listening to music made me feel "safer". On my X1 I have the default volume at 40. I was able to listen at this level to jazz and it was crystal clear. I mean, I could have turned it up to 45, but I found it was a good level. The music wasn't loud so I'm sure no one around me was able to hear it. I also wore them in a laundromat and didn't feel irritated by hearing the machines and people talking. I'm really surprised I'm saying I like hearing my environment, haha.
I A/B'ed the HM5 hybrid ear pads with the stock pads and the HM5 are IMMACULATE compared to stock, in my opinion. I feel the bass and sub bass goes deeper, it's tighter, and it isolates a tiny bit more. Plus the comfort is wonderful. I wear glasses and these are the first headphones/ear pads I've worn that give me comfort for hours. The only "negative" is that they make the headphones stick out on your head a little more, and you'd also have to use a lint roller on the velour part if you want to keep them looking like new.
I think the time I didn't like them was due to me looking on here again and wishing I had the Audio Technica WS99 lol. I'm so mad at myself for looking because I'm gonna fiend for them for months until I can afford them.
So, overall, I darn near love these headphones for what they are. I have not dropped them yet, I haven't had that driver problem yet, and I haven't seriously modded them and I don't think I will.