I will try a direct on axis toe-in. Currently, I'm following KEF's recommendation with a 15 degree toe-in, which is not quite firing at me. So far, I've been impressed with the sound. The treble is present, polite and refined.
You're absolutely right about getting used to a different presentation. As some here have said, my previous speakers had a more raised treble response. I am beginning to appreciate this KEF sound signature: there is detail and finesse, but not quite as up front as what I was used to. The midrange is impressive, and I'm using the R3's with a pair of REL subs, which compliment the base response nicely. There have been moments when I've heard things in recordings I've never heard before.
I tried switching speaker cable and went back to my original pairing, which was a Kimber Monocle XL. The Kimber gives instruments and vocals nice space in the soundstage. The imaging has been impressive.
I will follow your advice: I'm giving these time. I'm in the US and bought these from Crutchfield, which has a 60 day return policy. If, by that time, I decide to move on I will, but at this point, I don't think I'm headed in that direction. We'll see.