Personally I am a fan of higher compression.

My current engine build is 8.6:1

Depends what your after I think, I know people like Gareth and Karl prefer low compression. Hihg compression I believe will generate more power, but you have problems of EGT and reliability.

I know Ian@Racetek's old engine was a fooking monster, WRC spec, 9.6:1CR and 2bar of boost, was balistic. Died right off top end though. (De-restricted).

Now Karls is low comp i expect, and that caris awesome, come on boost later, BUT, you have a much wider power band because he revs it up to 9000+ rpm. And that car is the fastest car ive ever been in. Quiet possibly the fastest cossie in the UK.

For my own car, am medium power, torquey, not a high revving engine, I have chosen a higher CR.