Everyone says that about a lot of jets and powerplants. I notice every pound of thrust. I'm at near 10,000ft density altitude where I fly right now due to the summer heat and I am noticing the power loss. And I noticed the power increase when I flew at a jet rally at 0 feet elevation in February and performance was night and day to me.
I also had a 170- powered Predator at 29lbs dry. I considered it decently powered but I wouldn't have objected to putting a 180 in it.
Different strokes, I guess. I subscribe to the philosophy of greater than 1:1 thrust at take off or I'm not interested. And because where I fly is almost always over 5k feet density altitude it's that much more important to me.