Sorry to say this but it would be easier to help you if you would try and keep your situation to a common thread. Creating a new post for every nuanced challenge makes it hard to follow and were it all in one area I (we) would have a better picture of what's going on with your setup.
Based on what I have been able to piece together, you want AM and SSB. You seem to be OK on AM. You need to up your ALC on SSB and back down on your modulation, Running an amplified D-104 full throttle with wide open mic gain won't be in your best interest for SSB. It sounds like you have figured that out. If you can try to keep your changes small and together it helps us all track it and we can be a better resource.
Now, that all being said, I have more Turner knowledge than Astatic (though I always did want one when I was younger). What model D-104 are you working with?
Here's one example
http://nucow.com/Microphones Lamps/vintage microphones/D104 schematic.htm