For me, it's more of a timbre thing rather than just volume. Volume I can control to a certain extent with some kind of compression on the mic (I love the input section on those TC things) but leaning in made the voice warmer, bassier, sexier! Moving out made it harder, thinner, more cutting...

Working the mic has its musical uses as well as damage control aspects!

Jimbo, if you aren't already using a vocal compressor, try one of those cheap Mic Mechanic footpedals or a TC Perform-VK etc.. They do an awesome job of evening out your dynamics.