Heck, at 8.5psi, the higher static CR would be nice for sure.
Mine was designed to be 9:1 static CR, but I'm also running coatings that help control/lessen issues where heat is concerned.
If I build another 7MGTE again, It will be higher static CR. Much more fun to drive around town as you are not in boost most of the time. Also the stock turbo is fine for the stock motor at lower boost pressures especially. Say less than 12psi.
Concentrate on getting the most out of your 8.5psi. Better flowing IC pipes is a good place to start. (I picked up pressure just by removing the cast lower IC pipe that is bolted to the right frame rail... Replaced it with a section of metal conduit pipe cut to fit, and it gained me more boost pressure at the manifold at the same waste gate setting.. so net gain with no downside.)
In your avatar, you have hard pipes up on top, did you replace the lower ones too? Go true CAI for your filter, and pick up a few more free hp as well. (Just move your filter to the area under the right headlamp with a short section of 3" pipe through the snorkle hole.)
In short, I like my higher than stock CR.