Hi Don,
Yes, I remember your original posts and did try the diode method on a couple of QCX's until the little AGC module was developed. As I said, I'm sure Hans will include AGC limiting in a future firmware update so I'll not bodge this radio for the time being.
An external adaptor is an option, as you say, but it's yet another thing to pack/forget/lose.... besides, it's just limiting the level of an already badly distorted signal. Much better to have the levels controlled gracefully at an earlier stage in firmware and avoid those nasty square waves in the first place.
Cheers,
Ronan