I should start by mentioning that I've never one rep maxed any lift. I find that safe, working strength is far more valuable that testing exactly how much weight you can drop on your face. This is what I would like to increase, working, functional strength.

My question is, what is actually best for LASTING strength gains in the 3-8 rep range?

Id rather increase the strength,then alow the muscle time to build into its power, rather than quickly swell.

Also joint, ligament, and tendon effects of any mentioned substance? But I can just research that on my own.

Thanks