Welcome to the formum @JohndP. It has been a while but that aspect was indirectly mentioned a while back as an SNR setting in some (then ADSL) modems.
My understanding is the SNR setting essentially does that. When the SNR is changed for ‘more performance’ the modem runs hotter indicating higher power levels. My old Billion has a dark spot from heat 
At the time forums also mentioned that (ADSL) ISPs were not always happy about the customer setting his/her equipment like that, but some of the friendlier ones would set their own side to ‘performance’ if asked.
I can understand the NBN is after bland reliability such as they are able to provide, and the defaults are meant to deliver that, are they not?
Since FTTN has reared its head it is good you re-introduced this aspect for those so afflicted.
