If you're only pulling 8,000 r's and your buddy is pulling 8,250 r's make sure you make several ski to ski test pulls before you lighten up in order to hit 8,200 you may be surprised.
Depends where you are at. From the truck I don't mind pulling 8300. I don't gain a ton by the time we ride, but that 50 RPM difference comes down once I'm climbing.