You can downshift all you want, it won't make up for slower transient response.
The FP hotside does well. When I dynod 410whp with the DSM76, I was still making over 400whp at 8,000 on 92oct. On ethanol, the car was still pulling past that. It's not ideal for a top end ripper, but it does very well up top while moving air early in the RPM range.