A833 Can't Downshift / Poor Performance

Here's an update - I checked the clutch release clearance today by pulling the inspection cover. With the clutch pedal in, there is an abundance of clearance, and I can spin the clutch disk with the tip of my finger, so I am thinking that's not it. I've got some Sta-Lube 80-90W GL4 on the way. I did conjure up a crackpot theory I wanted to run by everyone.

First, some backstory - I actually installed this trans for the first time about 3 weeks ago. When I was driving it home, it still shifted awfully, but more critically, it got stuck in 4th gear. Removed the shifter - still stuck in 4th. Pulled the side cover, and the 4th gear syncro collar was past the shift keys, causing it to be locked in 4th. Pushed the keys back in, slid the collar back to the correct spot, and reinstalled side cover. Bada-bing, problem solved.

Throughout this process, I have befriended a local transmission expert, and when I told him this he said that it's very odd that the collar went past the keys.

Next, I'll describe my test:
1. Put the car into neutral, clutch engaged
2. Rev to 2000 RPM
3. Press the clutch pedal
4. Try to get into a forward gear

** Key point - During this test, for every forward gear (except 4th) the trans ground on its way into gear.

Now, for the crackpot theory. Main question - why does the car go into 4th easily, but grinds every other gear? Next up - why did the shift collar go past the keys on my regular ol' drive home? I am thinking that, for some reason (bent shift fork?), the 4th gear synchro is ALWAYS partially engaged. When I try to shift into another gear, that synchro has to fight a friction battle against the 4th synchro, which leads to grinding. However, when I am going into 4th, no problems.

** Key point 2 - I am highly confident in the shifter adjustment. I've done it, read more about it, re-done it, ordered all new parts, checked it again, took everything out, put everything back in, then did it again.

So, I am thinking there is something in the transmission that is causing the synchro collar to be slightly pushed in the direction of 4th, which is causing the synchro to always be a bit engaged, and is a possible reason for why I over-shifted 4th driving like a granny on my way home.

** Key point 3 - I have the shift stops installed and adjusted on the shifter. Like the shifter alignment, I did it while I had the trans out of the car.

Has anyone here ever dealt with a slightly bent shift fork? What were the symptoms?