This modern desire to have 'golden rules' on how to do x, y or z is wrong. Each flight requires attention to the particular problems it generates. The simple rule is to maintain adequate manoeuvre margin. How you do it, by speed, bank angle, or cruise altitude is entirely up to you and the 'event'. No one should EVER view this as 'restricting' you' to anything.
To newer pilots, however, BEWARE the idea of simply 'climbing above' the weather. It often looks attractive but can kill and has done. Often it is, of course, an option, but particularly in tropical areas weather can rapidly outclimb you and significant turbulence can often extend several thousand feet above the cloud tops in clear air in an unstable air mass.