I think you did the right thing.
Now we get to talk about the C-5!
Cool saw. The C series in general were all about a longer piston stroke. But for the C-5 and C-51, Homelite maintained the 1.5 " stroke on those models, so I'm glad you have her on 3/8 chain.
For any Homelite C-series a 10616 PowerMate sprocket system is a must. If you are running a C-series without one, you are not getting the full benefit of the saw.
Running a 24" I would say is taking it to it's limit though.
The interchangeability of the sprocket system is a wonderful thing this saw is able to take full advantage of.
They didn't set up the hub so you have to remove the clutch on these series of saw, so the user can readilly switch the cutting personality.
Purchasing a 16" bar setup and switching to an 8tooth sprocket, for example should limb a downed tree for you very nicely. A 16" bar and chain and sprocket cost way less than buying a new saw to take that role. You can even make use of .404 the saw has the grunt to be versatile. Utilizing this system insures periodic inspection by the user, and things tend to last longer.
Larger C-series have even more to offer at roughly the same weight, keeping the C-5 at an undervalued rate on the saw market.
Do to it's weight I would rate it a homeowner saw, but this will be there when you need it. You can bet on that and we'll be seeing a huge flood of homeowners looking for their firewood saw. You guys that have a burner just gave yourselves a 200 dollar a month raise because the heating gas prices are just beginning to get crazy.
I'm a computer/construction guy. It get's worse, but if I'm here you are about to experience a movement not seen sinse the return of the Harley.