The
IA5 transponders don't look particularly weak to me. What I think the problem is, is interferrence from G-16 next to it. On my big dish, some of the transponders are somewhat weaker than others, but are still what I would call average compared to other sats, and are strong enough that they shouldn't give people any problems. However on my 90CM, the transponders look like they are being wiped out by interferrence from nearby sats, particularly G-16, which I'm guessing is stronger than the old G4.
I think people are starting to see the problems due to 2 deg spacing, when you get a strong sat next door. Just my guess.