Quick update:
I believe I have the best setup possible, at least on my end. Here are some of the changes I've made:
Internet connection: went from Wifi to a LAN cable (cat5 cable)
Router: still using the same router just did the "port forward" change. My NAT type went from Strict to Open
TV: Bought an Asus monitor with 1ms response. I didn't realize how much lag was just in my 8 year old flat screen TV.
Collectively there is a big difference in my gaming experience. I'm not having a lot of those "shoot first die first" things happen. The TTK is a lot lower. Now I use less rounds to kill and am able to respond to trouble faster which sometimes saves my bacon.
On the skill side...I have a lot of work to do...I'm still very much a NOOB!
Can't wait for IW but, mostly I'm looking forward to MWR.