OK.... I decided to give Brad's another try, partly after stumbling across Jessica M's recent review that described some reinvention. Went the same route I did that led to my initial two star review in 2011 and got one of their subs While I still wouldn't call it toasted the way they do, there was a definite upgrade in terms of the amount and quality of meat. Not overstuffed by any means and I would recommend they still work to add some more meat to each sandwich but, for the price, the 6" version anyway is now closing in on being worth what you pay.
I plan to go back and hope that they keep on improving. I like soup a lot so plan to try one of their offerings in that category next go round.