I think the next move is:

1. Manually shift it, drive for a bit, get some miles on that fluid, let your new filter catch what it can and do it's job. You say you have'nt been in 4th yet: make an excuse to go for a road trip. Your tc locks in 4th (and will in 3rd if you press the "overdrive off" button) and needs to get run in top gear for some miles. Give us an update.

2. Change the tcc solonoid-I really think this is the problem now. I think that's why it's dragging it's ass when you take off: t/c not unlocking, solonoid burnt.

3. New torque convertor.

4. There's a transmission in Portland with 132,000 miles for $830.00.