Dore,
Because high ferritin levels in transfused patients already indicate iron overload, these other iron tests are not necessary. Instead, an analysis of the real iron load, using methods like MRI, SQUID and T2* are used to determine the true iron load. In non-transfuing patients, the complete iron panel is used to determine if and why anemia or iron overload conditions occur. In your father's case, the iron panel is used to determine when he should do a blood-letting (phlebotomy) to reduce his iron.
If you also have mild hemochromatosis it does explain your inability to lower your ferritin to the level you would like to see, as you have to deal with iron overload from transfusions and absorption in the intestines.