...begging for it wastes everybody's time.

For example:
"i unplugged the o2 sensor to check the voltage on it (which seems a tad out of range, but just barely.)"

What did it read?
How much is a "tad"?
What was the expected range?
Did you also read the "closed loop" sensor connected voltage swings?

When you unplugged the O2, the ECU defaulted to open loop operation and set the mixture to a steady (slightly rich) value. As Jorrell said, the running improvement does suggest that the O2 signal was off. Maybe falsely rich if the voltage was "a tad" high, making the ECU go way lean on the mixture? Maybe too lean for a cylinder or two with leaking injector seals?

Inquiring minds want to know the details.
--
Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.