Everyone forgets that Steve's 18 with 100hp less hit 79, raising the X will give a lot more than is bantered in these late BH posts. Getting the gear case clear of the water flow is key to higher speed and better handling, without the stern lift created by the low X you will have less wetted surface. None of this is supposition it is proven fact, it is all in black and white in previous posts. IMO if you are not going to do it right why do it at all!
No matter what your beliefs are "GOD BLESS AMERICA"
Fully retired marine tech near 60 years in the biz.