Will spread the word jetrat,
We've had complaints and actually along with improper technique like you say, some of the problem comes with many of the VHF COM boxes itself in the aircraft which along with the whole airframe are rather (too) Old and have problem with gain, static and volume...hence talking too close to the mic cos they cant even hear themselves. Fortunately the older aircraft are being phased out first.
Hope it gets easier on all your ears.