So, what exactly is your issue with pressing/upper body work? I've kinda caught on that you have the bad attitude abotu it, but why?

Those reps where your form is off and you are struggling... are those not the reps that force the development of strength to compensate for the hell you are putting your body through? I mean, some adaptation response may be necessary at a lower intensity, but frankly, nothing makes your body WANT to change like getting yourself near killed under a bar. I think you mentioned the fight or flight response, and when you are about to get mashed, that fight response will kick in... even if it is not pretty. Anyway, a hard fought rep is worth more than an easy rep, my friend. In any contest, nobody will remember the easy reps, the reps that went up fast, but they will remember that one pull that took ten seconds of grit and screaming to lock out. There is much more pride in being the guy that doesn't give up and doesn't turn away from that kind of fight. So don't sweat the hard stuff... that is EXACTLY why you picked up the bar to begin with ;)