We run light crew, usually 2 kids, 2-4 adults (one of whom is surfing). We have ocassional days where we get a big crew out but those are few and far between.
For any rider heavier than say, ~220 lbs, I've found that 10 deg pitch / 11mph is the most forgiving because of how much push it gives them. They stay on the wave longer and they learn quicker. A big frustration for me as the driver is seeing a big dude, who's had his first 10 or 20 pulls, and is starting to get the hang of it, washout because the wave didn't have enough push. For anyone below that weight I run 9.5 deg pitch for a good balance of push/length. With lighter women or kids, under say, ~140 lbs, I've gone down to 9 deg for more length.
I run wakeplate at 0 for reg and 15 for goofy. Fill ballast to 100%, move people/lead around to hit the numbers I want. I use Autowake for diagnostics only, (showing me the pitch/roll values).
I agree with not going above 10 degrees; RPM's go above 4500, no gains and you can usually see the fuel disappearing in real time.