Specifically, Destruction, Restoration, and Alteration are giving me the most problems. With Telekinesis gone, Alteration is slow going with Oakflesh over and over. Destruction is worse - Ive been just pelting Giants over and over and scraping by. Alchemy is also pretty rough. Any tips on how best to raise any opf these skills with the Syre mod?

If I must be sincere, I didn't enjoy skyre. And exactly for the reason(s) you are mentioning.
I mean, for me it felt like too much grinding. I used destruction for my main character, in almost every fight, and I had problems levelling it. I spent almost 20 hours only on destruction and conjuration and I couldn't go higher than 55. It was a complete mess. And not worth it, imho. But at least I tried it and I was able to understand that it was not for me.

then I found some alternatives, but it seems like publishing other mods. I don't know if you want an alternative. all I want to say is that you aren't alone on the frustration you are feeling