See, I had a K-r and a K-5 and a K-3. And yes, the K-3 generates much better quality images than the K-r (and even the K-5). But I honestly didn't mind using any camera and I had no true preference when used for casual shooting. And aside from the lack of a front wheel, the K-r was just fine. And I loved how light it was, I could hold that thing for days. However on studio work or "paid" shoots or macro stuff, it was K-3/K-5 all the way.
I always found the K-3 to be less "forgiving" than the other two, I'm assuming it's also the case with the K-5iis. I fell like I have to be more careful with it in order to get "the shot", I blame the increased resolution, it makes my mistakes easier to spot
One major thing though is it looks like the OP is using the defaults settings on the camera and if I'm not mistaken the defaults settings are crap (on the K-5 and K-3 they were). JPEG only, boring color profile, auto WB, auto ISO 200-6400, most correction systems ON (highlights, shadows, lens...)
So I am guessing that when used as a P&S, the higher end cameras may not be optimum. Because as it was mentioned, the K5iis will blow the K-x out of the water, better AF, noise, resolution, sensor, burst rate, greater bit depth, faster max shutter, lower native ISO.
It may be a case of getting used to working with it and go through the manual and understand the whack of new options and settings found on the new higher end body. Because, in no way it is hard to turn NR OFF on the K-3