Those two were always the stated objectives as far as I know. I'm sure
@Andy Jackson could tell us more but then again he might not.
I distinctly remember seeing the discussions from around 2008 when I joined by first PF board back in 2011. Like you, I don't really think there is anything "wrong" with the album as-is although it does swim a bit in reverb at times and the programmed drums make for a different listening experience compared to other PF albums. If you want to hear those songs at their best, the live versions are the go-to; which doesn't mean I approve of shoving the live vocal from "On the Turning Away" into the studio production.