As noted, the game is currently geared toward torturing poor players in BB1s. The game modes that old dogs like myself used just don't exist as viable options anymore. If you can afford to fork over some cash, getting a Sevastopol is highly recommended. It's an amazing ship that's usable at level and a powerhouse at level 80.
Otherwise, if you've done other grinds and can afford to do so, I might also recommend leveling up your engineers and gunners to 80+ and then go back to the Guam. Once you have high speed, a decent overheat time, and a tighter spread (and 900 sd), it's actually a decent ship in GB.
The truth is that, unlike some other nations, none of the US BB1 and BB2 vessels are that good without a high level crew. But they can be deadly with that high level crew.