A technique is directed to performing a tuning operation in data storage equipment. The technique involves generating, while the data storage equipment performs input/output (I/O) transactions, an observed I/O statistics profile based on performance of at least some of the I/O transactions. The technique further involves performing a comparison operation that compares the observed I/O statistics profile to an expected I/O statistics profile which is defined by a set of operating settings that controls operation of the data storage equipment. The technique further involves operating the data storage equipment in a normal state when a result of the comparison operation indicates that the observed I/O statistics profile matches the expected I/O statistics profile and in a remedial state which is different from the normal state when the result of the comparison operation indicates that the observed I/O statistics profile does not match the expected I/O statistics profile.