MattC, I can tell you from experience (my own) that your observations regarding strength reflect my own. At 23, and only 2 years of consistent training, I hit a 500 pound deadlift at a weight of around 180-185.
I learned thereafter (after years of training) that the deadlift was my best exercise, and somewhat to my detriment in other areas. What I mean is that the deadlift is so taxing on the CNS (your hands are the most innervated part of your body, IIRC), that your body does not recover enough for you to grow in other areas. I could deadlift and chin with the strongest guys in the gym, but my pressing was terrible.
So, I refocused my energy on being a very balanced lifter, and lo and behold my believed injuries all but disappeared.
I hated the squat, or any variation thereof, because I was not strong in the squat. But I made myself love the squat and spent an inordinate amount of time perfecting my form with the Buffalo Bar, straight bar, front squats, etc. I use the trap bar to deadlift in the higher rep range from time to time, but it is no longer my bread and butter exercise.
I am a better lifter, and look better for it.
Matt, if you have any aspirations of building a better physique, ditch the ultra low rep stuff. Anything under six reps, in my experience, is inviting injury, and doesn't do too much in the way of muscle growth.
