2005 TR-196, 200 Optimax on an 8" manual jack plate, Tempest Plus 26

After doing some motor work and getting it out on the water here's where I am. Note: all speeds are GPS, holeshot was only decent at either height, full load with 2 guys and ~25 gal of fuel

First time out with original set up as I got it... 1.5" below pad, tempest plus 26, felt "squirrelly" the wole time and chine walk was severe at 58mph @ 4900 rpm (went no further)

Second time out... moved to a starting point of 3" below pad, same prop, mild / severe chine at 62 @ 5200 rpm (went no further), Steering had a better feel, H2O 25psi

Based on RPM there's still a lot to get out of it. I backed off after chinewalk was bad enough to make this experienced driver tighten up.

Should I go down to a tempest plus 25?
Suggested height?