I don't know if Papa Tom is still reading this thread, but I figured I could throw this in. I had a very similar experience when I purchased my 26x2.35 Big Apples. I inflated to a high pressure and was immediately dissapointed by the harshness. I repeatedly lowered the pressure and found out that unlike some skinnier tires, there is a huge difference in ride quality between a small range of psi. I settled on about 40psi rear and 35psi front, but I weigh about 210lbs. It sounds like you have it figured out now and I think you should ride the Big Apples for a while. These tires seem to "break in" and get better over the first few hundred miles. Also, mine are on a "vintage" steel rigid mountain bike of a similar era to yours.
-Bruce