Is that Peter Robinson the one in Melbourne that specialises in Corolla's? If so I disagree with him. It wouldn't be the first time, either.
If you want to go fast up a hill climb, you want 4.5's. 4.8's would be even better.Yes the gears will run out quicker,but you'll have better acceleration, and you'll be in third still accelerating, when others are in second and maxed out. The legendary Murray Coote (he of proflex fame and rally god status) stated that if you can pull another gear for even two seconds, you'll be going faster. With the 4.5's you will change to third earlier, and therefore gain the advantage. Meh, so you have to change down again, no biggy.
Make me a realistic offer for the carbs (and that goes for anyon else, too). 1 1-2 SU's, CP4 needles, linkages, filters, set-up, good to go. I am however going away in 5 hours for about three weeks, so have a think about it. You could probably make me an offer for the Dwarf, too. :P