Yes, I have no problem step climbing to next level, when the FMC shows it as max. And consequently I have no problem selecting CON as thrust limit as
pr. Boeing recommendation - routinely.
Now on the other hand, please tell me where Boeing recommends 1000 feet extra margin on the max altitude (which already has plenty of margin built in).
Oh my.
I hope you don't ever get the temperature changes or wind changes that I've seen in the cruise over the years! You'll be re thinking your personal operating procedures pretty quickly if you do. The issue with operating at max isn't normally an aerodynamic one, it's more often than not a thrust available issue. If you get a temp change of plus fifteen or twenty degrees while banked at 15degrees you'll be leaving your flight level with the stick shaker going.
That's just my humble opinion, feel free to explain how wrong I am
