Compression numbers are only that....for the most part.
They are all over the board from engine to engine..mfr. to mfr. and sometimes year to year.
That is why, when you are "checking" an engine the only real spec that matters is that the compression should be within around 10% from piston to piston. On a V block one side will always be a bit less than the other because as the pistons rock to the side one bank closes the exhaust ports a bit earlier than the other.
Will higher compression give you higher horsepower? In almost all cases it will however from horsepower to horsepower a larger cu. in. engine may be the better choice. Loop charging over cross-flow etc, Gearcase size, gear ratios (rather have a ratio that can swing higher pitched propellers for efficiency), Through-hub exhaust vs. old style....lots play into what engine is good for what and lots of choices out there...... I do like your thought process on this though! Just figured I would add a bit to it.
