Id say a good median is the way to go. Use a heavy enough weight, and even if you have to sacrifice a bit of form then thats ok. As long as its not extremely loose form, then its ok. I too feel that with barbell rows. Whilst i cant do as much as you, whenever i feel like going a bit heavier, the form gets looser. So instead of being real bent over and focusing on squeezing your back, i find myself more upright, but i feel it more in my traps and upper back, so even though my form is loose, its still working the back.
But there are some exercises i feel that strict form should be used. For any beginner or even intermediate trainer, any curling movement should be done with strict form. You see way too many beginners doing cheat curls, when they should just focus on lighter weight.
