Usually, I go with the recommended. If the winds are stronger up ahead, one can always descend. In fact, the operational flight plan sometimes has us descend to go under a Jetstream and I believe that the Recommended will show a lower altitude as well based on its predictions.
Of course, most people try to have a buffer from MAX altitude prior to climbing.
I have noticed that usually the RCMD changes to a higher altitude prior to the actual green S/C point on the ND. Does anyone know why.