^^^^
So the more negative feedback applied to the grid, the less current a given tube will draw. the rating on a given tube is based off of the amount of current it draws at a given voltage. The more current that a given tube draws the softer of a rating the tube will be given.
So if I am reading through this correctly the existing tubes are not drawing enough current and the amount of negative voltage applied to the bias is as low as it goes, a softer rated tube that draws more current is what is needed. This is the case we're increasing the bias resistor is not only be cheaper but the best option if you have multiple sets of tubes none of which can be bias correctly. I am curious what the bias voltage range is on this amp. I am not a big fan of specially buying tubes that are either too hard or too soft because I feel that they are closer to the edge of being not in spec. so from a design standpoint this is probably done so that tubes will never run too hot in this amp the alternative is to put in soft tubes to properly bias it but soft tubes in a metal amp is just wrong. You want headroom not early break up