[benwaggoner]

Say, does anyone have any data showing potential benefits of using some of the "beyond placebo" settings?

For example

1. --subme 6 or 7 instead of 5
2. --me sea instead of star
3. --bframes 16 instead of 8
4. --ref 6+ instead of 5
5. --tskip
6. --cu-lossless

I've fond some value in very low bitrates or unusual content from all but the higher subme and me, which I've not tried.
--me sea in particular cuts speed enormously.

Tskip and cu-lossless can help with anime, small text, screen captures, and other stuff with sharp detailed edges.