I've had the opposite experience with an A833OD. I run mine with a 3.21 rear gear and while I do wish for a better drop from 1 to 2, I think it is fine and drives great. Cruises at 65 @ 2000 rpm and does fine around town.
There is better, no argument. But now that I am putting the T56 I bought in a different car I have no plans to do anything to the drivetrain on my '74.
You obviously have something with some balls in front of the transmission. I've preached it for years the 833OD is a great transmission, you just have to have something that has some nads so it doesn't lug. Course, it usually falls on deaf ears. lol