As per my own suggestion (CL+3 on TR1, CL+5 on 2+), TR2+ should run elites above level to get zero xp penalty. Are you honestly suggesting you have no problems at all running elite von3 at level 7-8?
Edit: I've said it before, effective character level increase for TRs and a slight bump in total exp required would leave the normal grinding where it is currently, but doing above level elites would get you to cap faster with less grind (and probably more deaths).