On the assumption that its not condensation that you're feeling dampness from, the Gore Tex membrane is waterproof, unless of course its been worn/damaged in some way, a common theme with Gore-Tex boots, or at least that's my belief, given the idea of a thin membrane in a boot which is being bashed, flexed etc. such boots have never stayed waterproof for the lifetime of the boot.
The breathability can vary dependant on many factors, humidity, how much you're perspiring, temperature etc, and the membrane itself is sandwiched between the jacket layers, which varies between jackets. The outer getting saturated may also have a limiting factor on breathability.
All my waterproofs, jackets and trousers have been Berghaus over many years. The first one unfortunately was left on a train
the second was a Berghaus Lightning which met its fate with additional ventilation being added, rather spoiling the waterproofness
, and I then two Mera Peaks which are both going strong, the first after 15 or so years. The first one I have washed and used a Tech wash which restored the 'beading effect' for one trip only, after which I never bothered as despite the outer getting saturated it retained its full waterproof qualities. In my entire 40 years of walking that is the one and only time I have washed a Gore Tex jacket. A full wash being something I personally would avoid, a wipe with a damp cloth for any individual dirt marks.
Whilst not familiar with all the various makes, models, I have always looked for a waterproof jacket that has the double flaps over the front zip, and if possible flaps over any zipped pockets, as I have found this is the only way to ensure moisture does not penetrate. Water resistant zips are, in my opinion, useless, and to have one of these as the main zip on the front is not a good idea, however they may try and sell it.
Until very recently my waterproof trousers have been Berghaus Paclite, and these have been brilliant and 100% effective from a waterproof point of view and also being so light you hardly notice you're wearing them. But the lightness does come with a downside and that is they are not too resilient and easily torn or ripped, if for example scrambling, I think I have been through 3 pairs, although small rips can bee patched quite successfully with Gore Tex patches
