I fear it might be a poor choice. Without exception, admissions officials from first-tier LACs and National Research Universities advise – and, in fact, emphasize – curricular rigor that challenges the student with the most demanding courses available in his school. Without doubt, it’s a highly important selection criterion. It really does not matter what skills the individual’s likely future plans might necessitate, because this near-requirement isn’t about majors and careers; rather, it focuses on one’s ability to cope successfully with daunting academic work.
I sincerely sympathize with your dilemma. However, my advice is to take the tough mathematics courses, to work with your teacher from the first day, and to get tutoring – peer and professional – as required, but EARLY. I recommend the foregoing approach because – critically-- very few of your competitors for the “elite” colleges and universities will not have this potential deficiency. If you do – and remembering that acceptance rates fall in the 5 to 15 percent range – you’re admissions probability will be significantly reduced.
Good luck.