I too don't understand what exactly is meant by a "top landing speed": the highest speed that one can drive the aircraft onto the ground without wrecking it?
I agree with Shaggy that too many "pilots" routinely land airplanes using too high a speed and poor technique (landing on all three wheels, or worse, wheelbarrowing). If you think that might apply to you, spend some time learning to fly tailwheel and it should cure you.
I suspect that people often 'land hot' because they are afraid of stalling. Adding "5 knots for the wife and kids" is NOT the answer ... precise speed control at the recommended approach speed is.
The 172 will 'float' if the approach is flown too fast. Keep that up and it's really only a matter of time before you go off the end of the runway.
