I've been able to control the temps no problem all winter using the same mix, I honestly think she left the air open a tad too much. When I got up and shut the air off completely it cooled down to 550 in about 10 minutes.I didn't mention in my post below but the Lopi Liberty will takeoff temp wise if you load it up with beech, sugar maple or any good seasoned hardwood even with the air closed down all the way. I've learned to control the stovetop temps by the size of the load.
I would be worried about the flooring in front of your hearth, do you have a fan on your Liberty.
I don't have the fan kit, but have a pedestal fan blowing across the top of the stove. The amount of heat passing thru the door is insane.