I think the problem is few people alter vac timing on a low-CR turbo Honda, or they do it incorrectly.
TDC is not where peak cylinder pressure occurs, its usually between 10-20* ATDC. From what I've seen & experienced, the new timing is the square root of the compression change multiplied against that "overall" timing value. I use the word overall to describe the degree value between spark and peak cylinder pressure, I'm not sure if there is a proper name for it. That means you take the timing value, add ~15*, multiply it by the change in compression's square root, then subtract ~15* to get your new btdc ignition timing value.
If someone with a 10.5:1 forged d16 w/turbo was to reduce vac timing thinking it was actually 12:1, the motor would feel just as sluggish off-boost as a similar vitara d16.