Chip, I don't agree with you I'm afraid
Power is king.
I agree that whatever the amount of reduction through gearing gives a multiplication of torque, but, the reason you have gearing, is to have your engine revving in its POWER BAND.
Rate of acceleration is governed by power to weight ratio (assuming traction achieved).
If it was all about torque, when you came to a steep hill, you wouldn't change down to make the engine rev (in its power band), you'd happily allow the revs to be dragged down to where maximum torque is and that would pull you up the hill.... which doesn't happen.
Power obviously wouldn't occur without torque, and how much power you make relies on how much torque you have available, coupled with the work rate (rpm) that your engine will provide.