I am assuming that when you say the smallest cogs, then talk about giving up the bottom end, you are actually referring to the ones closest to the spokes, which would actually be the largest cogs, but the easiest ones to pedal. If that is true, then what you have is a drivetrain that is fairly normal for a triple. The chain doesn't want to deflect at the steep angle you want it to between the outer ring in front and the innermost cogs in back. Even on my double, I don't go for the big/big and small/small combos. It is too rough on the chain. When you are in the middle ring, do you have use of all 7 rear cogs? If so then you don't really have a problem.