Disagree, id always want a torque curve that is forever climbing. Also that amount of torque you can create is not fixed. IE, i know of certain 1.8L (non honda) engines making more torque (at high rpms no less) than many 2.4L engines.
The gist of everything else youre saying is correct though:
Build an engine to a certain spec and make sure everything complements each other.
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