Odd bit from the habitat: at about 6 ATA we run GMAW roots 10–15 amps hotter than topside because helium and pressure strip heat fast. It’s drilled in training, but the real trick is holding arc length after a 6‑hour bell run while bracing in a 1‑knot push. Do your procedures call the same bump, or is that a North Sea thing?
bracing in a 1‑knot push. Do your procedures call the same bump, or is that At 6–7 ATA on 60/40 He/Ar we spec +12–18 A and about +5% wire; biggest win is clamping stickout to about 3/8" so the arc doesn’t chill. If the can’s warm or the mix leans argon, +8–10 A covers it — what He percent are you running?
My take: I’d lean toward the simplest next step and see if it changes anything this week — if not, you’ve got a clear case to escalate. What would block you from trying that?