Why are 318's low HP and torque?

I think I mentioned this, but it's worth repeating. The stock compression height on a 318 is 1.720. You can get aftermarket stock replacement pistons with a taller compression height. 1.741 is a popular replacement. Might not seem like much, but every bit helps. It helps more than you might guess. Those pistons can be had for under a hundred bucks if you shop around.

If you could get away with a rering job would you need to rebalance with these pistons since there stock replacements?