Yup, the .2's stay far cleaner at higher levels than the older ones did, the horns don't outrun the woofer anymore...not to say they're the best sounding at very high output, but the .2's are an improvement in that department. I'd guestimate a couple more useful db.
Agreed, I used a pair of 12.2's as tops for an outdoor series at a venue for the last season before lockdown, I had been using the original 12's previously. The .2's are a solid improvement especially at higher volumes (I don't mix especially loud by habit - mostly Americana & singer-songwriter stuff).
I replaced most of my original K12's with the 8.2's primarily for monitors but in the right situation they work great as mains (with a sub of course). I mostly work small to medium sized stages so they fit better on stage physically than the 12's and shock people regularly with their capabilities. Plus I can fit about twice as many in my van.
I gotta lot of QSC K stuff, after decades of having to tune systems to make them sound decent it's nice to have plug&play setups where I can just pull the models appropriate for each gig. Been spending much of today pulling a system for a show tomorrow so it's on my mind...