Manual valve body 727 - 3rd gear won't engage under full throttle

Sorry if I'm confusing people here. I'll see if I can catch what everyone has asked.
Fluid looks and smells great.
I think the shifting early and late are how you are interpreting my crappy explanation. If I do not let out of the throttle, it won't shift, shifter position be damned. I have to physically let out of the throttle for the shift to occur. Cable adjustment has been checked and rechecked.
Bands were adjusted by my trans guy so I have no reason to believe they weren't adjusted correctly and to factory recommended specs, but not discounting that either.
I wish I had taken pics or documented better what was inside this beast. I'll have to confer with the guy that actually did the assembly. I believe this to be a pre 70 piece and a stock ratio lever. 3.2 maybe?
Right now I am thinking a seal was perhaps knicked during the assembly. Nothing else is making sense right now. I haven't had a chance to get it up on a rack and drop the pan on it yet either. That will definitely rule some things out like a slipping drum or mis-adjusted bands. Would there be any issue with something like 70 and down guts and 71 up case?
I appreciate the input though guys.