Wow, the M3 bright? That's a new one on me.
In addition to the M3s I now also have a pair of M2s and can see what people mean about Axiom being "too bright". On the whole I disagree, although I do find there are certain albums I find fatiguing on the M2s but still love on the M3s (Stars - Set Yourself on Fire comes to mind). In general I find the M3 is much more in line with the Paradigm Monitor series in regards to "brightness" (I also own and enjoy the Monitor 11s and have listened to them side by side. The M3 stacks up surprisingly well). I have never felt any listener fatigue from the M3 and can strongly recommend them. Alas, I have never heard the Ascends.
