"Peter Dohm" wrote

That confirms what I have long suspected: I could only justify it to
operate from a higher altitude airport--which is just not in the cards.

I wouldn't think that would be the only justification.

If your are going to operate at a lower airport, that will see some high
density altitudes, due to high temperatures, for one.

If you are going to operate close (or slightly over) to gross, would be
another.

If you plan to go into and out of airports that might be a little short, or
have high obstructions at the end of the runways, as another.

If you want to do cross countries often, that involving climbing to
relatively high altitudes, it would be nice to have better climb.

If you combine two or three (or more) of the above, it would be a slam dunk
reason to go with the more HP engine!
--
Jim in NC