An octane rating theoretically has nothing to do with an engines power production. Octane is simply a measurement of the engines ability to resist detonation. [/b]
Correct.

Every engine has an octane requirement. Using more octane could, again theoretically, hurt power. Geeks speak on gasoline.
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/autos/gasoline-fa...3/preamble.html
[/b]
A very good read.

The point in the rev range where the engine is most susceptible to detonation is at peak torque (peak cylinder pressure). So the adage of using higher octane for protection in an extended high rpm situation isn't all together valid.[/b]
IIRC Motor Octane Number (MON) was developed as a direct result of Research Octane Number (RON) not being useful in situations that contained sustained high speed running, i.e., the Autobahn. It's covered in the Gasoline FAQ.