Tracking force and Unipivot tonearms


I have a Benz Glider and the "recommended" tracking force is 1.8 to 2.2 grams. I am tracking at about 2.4 or 2.5 just to keep it in the grooves during hot peaks on some records. A audiophile friend told me it is not uncommon especially with unipivots to set tracking force at 10 percent or higher than the recommended tracking force. The cart sounds much more full, less sibilant and a more solid sound at the sacrifice of a less air at this heavier tracking force.

Has anyone else found it absolutely necessary to set tracking forces much higher than the recommended force? My friend said it will not damage the cartridge or records at 2.4 or 2.5 grams. He said I should not get hung up on recommended tracking force as all tonearms are different and that it is just the "recommneded" tracking force
tzh21y
Another "yes" for the Fozgometer, if you don't have access to an O-scope. I've never understood folks who claim they can adjust azimuth visually, they must have far better eyesight than I do! Even when aided by a small magnifier. It is chancy to rely on the cartridge body being perpendicular to the record surface since there is no assurance the stylus was mounted EXACTLY in the vertical plane.
Tzh21y: congrats, but keep us informed, in the end I had good days and bad days, ultimately infuriating.
Stringreen, I think we both own the VPI classic with the 10.5i wand. I upgraded my want to the Classic 3 wand.

Sorry to be argumentative, but Audiofiel is correct. When playing vinyl, I can only listen for 5 or 6 hours straight while working on my computer. I'm sure if we had a better arm, I might be able to listen 24/7. Thanks Audiofiel for the helpful comments!