Just a note: AO7-a over the USA this morning had a very nice signal, there was no one but myself on the pass I was on, but the downlink was strong with minor QSB, I tested with variable power levels and as expected high power levels would bring on some distortion on CW signals and minor "FM'ing" on SSB signals.
Running minimal power levels seemed to produce clear downlinks on both SSB and CW. I am not sure how the "bird" would react with multiple stations on simultaneously but it was quite clear with just myself on the satellite this morning.
I think we just need to be gentle with the "Grand Lady of satellites" she seems to working, for now!
I wish I had an answer for what is ailing the bird, but I don't. These are just my observations of the satellite!
73 All! Frank; K4FEG