If travel speed and blade speed are matched throughout the RPM spectrum, then (in theory) the blades should be engaging the grass for the same ammount of time at any RPM.
I cannot visually tell the difference between cut quality with pedal to the floor @ 2650 or pedal to the floor WOT. If I rev the engine up and slow the travel down, I can tell the difference, but it is not worth traveling slower to get it.
At any rate, the cut quality for me running @ 2650 is so nice that IMO, there's no need to tax the engine/driveline/implement and me anymore than I need to. Also, according to the fuel consumption chart, it's running most efficient in the band between about 2000 and 2800 RPM.
@ 2650, the ride is better, reaction times are better and you really don't lose anytime (negligible at best)
Just my $.02