Its worth noting that MFS used the term
optimum cruise altitude for range, with this in mind, it is correct to say that there is a trade off between climb and cruise in order to achieve the most efficient flight profile.
MrBoeing publishes an
Optimum Altitude Chart, this chart isnt based upon range, it provides the optimum altitude based upon Nautical Air Miles/Fuel Used.
Another factor coming into play might be Mcrit
In another thread, I believe that Old_smokey stated that EVERY airliner he had ever flown flew FASTER than the Mcrit, so how exactly does it come into play? I presume that you did mean Mcrit and not MMO?
Mutt