Hi LEM,
I think you might be trying to look at this a bit too deeply. The engine limits, either absolute (106%) or ambient (Yellow Ref N1 bug on EIS) are the same, regardless of which direction the fan air is being sent.
To put it another way, you can demand as much N1 using the reverse thrust levers as you can by pushing them forward; only the fan air direction is altered and all the limits remain the same.
BTW there are very few dumb questions in aviation. If you were both unsure then you can guarantee others will also be unsure. Better to have an inquiring mind and ask, rather than carry on unaware.
S & L