Re; Dynamics, Class D vs tubes…

Really depends on the design, but generally speaking, I’d say tube amps. 

That is because tube amps tend to boost the “bass-slam” frequency range when mated to highly reactive loads. It’s the same reason for why listeners often say tube watts sound more powerful than SS watts. Tube amps also clip softly, but that’s not the reason they often sound more powerful than a SS counterpart. 

Another reason is that IME, most Class D amplifiers sound flat and lifeless in terms of bass dynamics (well most of their bandwidth actually). The notable exception I’ve encountered is the Axxess Forté 1 integrated—the only Class D amp I have ever felt was worth owning. Its distortion is second harmonic dominant, similar to a good SET amp in that regard.  

 

Usually its the other way ’round. What tends to cause tube amps to seem to have more power than solid state amps of the same rating is the way they make distortion, particularly, as you alluded, near clipping.
 

My experience is otherwise. Maybe because I am more accustomed to push-pull tube amps. IME it is quite obvious when a tube amp begins to run out of steam because the dynamics suddenly go flat.