I'm increasingly convinced the Tremec is the best option if you want to drive it like a car. I know its spendy but there are not a lot of choices.
One you didn't mention is the Corvette 4+3, which is basically a Super T-10 with an automatic overdrive in the tailshaft. It is stout enough for a strong small block in a 1/2-ton pickup, uses a conventional shifter location, is hard to mount and not popular even with the Corvette crowd.
They often replace it with a Tremec.