I have heard that buttermilk in recipe helps them to be softer.
Could the problem be the machine? It sounds like it is sporatic.
As far as agood grain bread I would look up Denise Fidler, she is owner of the country baker and seems to be VERY knowlegable and helpful and does a lot with whole grains and health breads. Her email address is:
thebaker@kconline.com
try her for a recipe and tell her Page said "Hi"
good luck,
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