In answer to the OP's question, it appears you have the intersection of luck-of-the-draw and personal preference. That is, it is possible that you received one instance of the guitar that doesn't sound as good as some of the others - based on other people's responses that they like the tone of their own - and the tone of the HPL might not be what you want to hear, your preferred tone.
That said, having the instrument structurally altered in the attempt to improve its sound has three possible outcomes, as follows:
1. there is no obvious change in sound
2. the instrument sounds better, however you define it
3. the instrument sounds worse, however you define it
Regardless of which outcome, you will void the warranty. If too much is done, you run the risk of compromising its structure, shortening its life.
In my opinion, it is not money well-spent to throw at it to attempt to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse - based on your opinion that this guitar doesn't have the sound you want.
You state that your finances are constrained. I suggest you examine whether you want "more", as in duplication, or want "better". If you want "more", continue to purchase inexpensive instruments to add to those you already have. If you want "better", sell the instruments you have, return the one you just bought, and use the collective proceeds to buy one instrument that is better, however you choose to define "better".
Given that a good player can make nearly any guitar sound nice, it is unrealistic to expect a "great-sounding" guitar in the $300 price range.
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