I think it's a question of the rings more than the material of the piston. But it is true that forged pistons are less likely to melt from detonation. . .I was at the same cross roads as you and I decided that I wasn't going to risk it and just go all forged, and running street trim at 10psi and track trim at whatever Keyser finds to be safe. . .
Bringing the CR to 9:1 is the MOST optimal CR you can get because you won't have to worry about lag or power loss, nor do you have to boost the bejesus out've your engine, allowing less wear on the turbo and the entire setup in the long run. . .the Minus is of course the fact that you risk detonation. . .but even Tom and I have talked about this, and at 9:1 you'd be ok to "test the limits" of a forged piston, ie safe on 10psi or more. . .the Ross Forged Pistons at 8.5:1 are a great option for 3L and should be seriously considered, if not only because they are forged, but because of the safe relocation of the rings so that the 2nd to oil gap is larger. . .
