Robert:
May I suggest you do a proper compression test to see what the compression actually is at this moment.
I was a little let down to find my compression was not really 9:1 as it was supposed to be , but more like 7:1 because of compression loss somewhere . Rings or valves , maybe both... with only 40K miles on the engine, one would expect a little better than 7:1 , but at least I can run low test gas...
I fully suspect the exhaust valves and have bought six new ones , but it could be the rings I suppose . If the compression comes up when you put a teaspoon of oil in the plug hole , you know it is the rings . If the readings don't change, it is the valves... I plan a complete rebuild in the near future , maybe next year...This year , I want to drive it a bit...
