The Devil is in the detail. I see it is Active Dry yeast and I have been using Instant, so I can't say I have given the recipe a fair shake. Going to the store, maybe you will see this before I get back. Even though you are using Active yeast you are not "blooming" it correct? And just to really make sure I pay attention to detail, there is a difference between "Active" & "Instant" yeast?
One more time with this recipe, then I am going to loosen up the mind and just try a white bread recipe and see if it is more what I am looking for! Since I basically want a giant hot dog bun!