Justin,

I'm interested in hearing which configuration folks prefer for turf
strips


For "turf" it's not an issue at all. Most fields in Europe are "turf"
(meaning well kept gras, in my definition), and only in very wet times
after a lot of rain does operation on them become any issue.

Dirt strips on the other hand are much different. You can operate both
kinds out of them, but high wings do have the advantage you mention.
Also, many high wings seem to have shorter ground rolls than low wings.

Any lack of ground effect can be compensated with a little power.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)