What I found interesting was the top end was actually crisp, which absolutely surprised me with a 15" speaker. A had to spend the better part of an hour farting around with the EQ, PC output, and gain though. Mid-range was dull and lifeless. But yeah, you're right, it's not designed for this range at all. I suspect the crispness dies quickly with volume.
1000w? earplugs and muffs together aren't going to help you. You're vibrating your soul at that point.
And yes, a wah and distortion sounds like crap, as does adding chorus.