Chasing pH or Alk (or Both)?

I’ve read numerous reports and testimonials that higher pH will yield faster growth, esp SPS. That’s why I’ve been obsessed with trying different things: outside air to skimmer, CO2 scrubber, kalk, soda ash, etc. I can crank pH up to 8.4 but honestly, it’s too much effort and I don’t have the patience to keep pH up. In the end, my tank suffered. I’ve end up going back to either 2-parts or CaRx, which I can consistently keep Alkalinity stable. However, my pH is back to 8 to 8.19. Questions: what pH ranges are you guys running and what methods work well for your tanks?