The 300ohm balun for the antenna might be bad, but I think it is a combination of the hill and the trees that scatter the signals from 144 degrees. The scattering is frequency-dependent which explains the different reception for the channels from that direction.
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/antennas/siting.html
scroll down to Trees and UHF
If I didn't know about the trees and the hill, your report would make me suspect tuner overload from your very strong signals, and I would suggest trying an attenuator in the coax.
Interpreting Noise Margin in the TV Fool Report
http://www.aa6g.org/DTV/Reception/tvfool_nm.html
Can you show us a photo of the trees in the WNYW Fox direction?
Would you be willing to give me the coordinates of your antenna in a PM so that I can look at the satellite view?