Thanks guys - that was a nice drivetrain crash course.
Yes, small chain ring and lowest 2 cogs the chain is contacting the back of the big ring. On the large ring and large cog, the chain comes in at too dramatic an angle to even use. From large to small ring requires a deliberate and forceful pull on the lever and produces a heavy clunk. My triple on another bike shifts better.
Trimming helps the other concerns. I, too, thought the double FD should work. I'd hoped to sort this out myself but will take it to another LBS and have them advise.