Anyone here ever have their pistons machined?

Well good luck! Cometics are like $200, I'd up the compression and change the cam but that's just me. Don't get to caught up on that static number. I am at upper 11s and crank at only 170 psi avg around 3000ft DA summer weather with "loose quench" at .051 When it gets cooler out and let's say the DA is at 500ft your cylinder pressures will go up. I'd rather have tighter "quench" with higher static compression than no quench at a lower static compression. Hope all goes well for you on your changes.