737 NG Climb Power settings
When setting TO power, one has a choice of climb, climb 1, and climb 2. When using a reduced TO power setting, it automatically selects the climb setting, which of course you can override (for climb restrictions, etc). I have been told that from the viewpoint of the engine manufacturer, there is no advantage to use a reduced climb setting (after 15K ft, it doesn't matter anyway), as opposed to a reduced TO power setting which does increase engine life. Also from a fuel economics standpoint it is better to use max climb. Upon discussing this, we thought the only reason was to have a more comfortable transition from reduced TO power to climb power. I.e. for a significantly reduced TO setting, you would go to climb 2, which would not result in a thrust increase. Appreciate any thoughts on this.