Yeah, I think "severely detuned" is a bit of a stretch, I've ridden every model CB750 and owned many, and apart from hotrodded bikes, in reality they all pretty much felt the same.
The big difference probably had more to do with gearing. Changing the front sprocket from a 17 toother to 18 gave later models a drop in acceleration but a more relaxed cruising at lower RPM's in top gear. The K0 cable carbs had a lighter pull too, which gave the rider the impression that the engine was a lot more willing than later models.
Sure, the K0/K1 might have had a couple more BHP, but nothing that noticeable.