It's all theory and a bit of experimental tinkering .I've never cut the band but if I did I'd just use a boring bar .
A pop up contrary to popular thinking does not increase the compression ,that is done by cutting the cylinder base .What two things they do is propagate the flame front and help sweep the area above the intake port .
You can increase the effectiveness with sweeps on the upper transfers or finger ports .What ever floats your boat ,they both work .On the other hand I've seen some hot runners with just a flat top piston .