Ive never replaced one Gill. Every now and then air will leak out the exhaust port that is located on the bottom of the valve up on the ceiling of the steering bay that fools many and has people replacing them because of it. If u ever hear leaking from there its almost for sure one of the 3 R12 brake relay valves.
Your description of the E10 characteristics could explain both questions. First my thoughts on engagement of antilock on dry road. Maybe it can of u push that hard at speed. It would answer and also explain the soft pedal feel as well.
I've never had any truck or bus that needed this replaced.