OOOOOOOOOH!
NOW I get it!
Mitch, once again your Hollywood looks, unlimited bankroll, lovely wife and all-round 5-Speed sensibilities have answered my question and afforded me unearned wisdom. Thank you.
@Stan Galat of course 5500 RPM is just about the right upshift point for the engine you envision. That's going to be right around peak HP. No idea how I missed seeing it on the first and second look.