How nice would high octane gas be?

I do quite well on 85 here with 10% alcohol. The first sentence set the tone for the article.

That's not entirely true. In fact, it's more false than true. Lower octane burns faster and hotter while higher octane is less prone to detonation. Less prone to detonation because it's more stable and burns slower. As a result, less power is produced by the same volume. A good rule is to always run the lowest octane that you can get away with running. Some of you sea level guys may have a different philosophy, but it works just fine up here.
Karl, you are absolutely correct.... I am 100 feet sea level, and usually race ( my favorite spot, it's been a while ..) is 40 feet below sea level... 87 works fine, until you N2O, or add additional atmospheric... We are near 17-21 percent....( on pump gas, with alcohol additional additives..) Haven't driven the new small block combination yet, under fire....