There is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation when it comes to fuel in general, and octane and grades in particular. Some of this confusion is caused by the names they are given: Mid-grade, and premium or High test. The truth is far different. Take four equal measures of the four commonly available gasolines: 100% gas 87 octane regular; 90/10 ethanol enriched 87 octane regular; 90/10 ethanol enriched 89/90 octane mid-grade; and 90/10 ethanol enriched 93 octane premium. (Different brands may have slightly different octane ratings, but they are similar).
If you measured the energy available in the four equal measures you would find that the 100% pure gas has the most energy. After that, the fuel in each grade has less energy because the ethanol additive is replacing the gasoline, and is actually acting as a filler with reduced energy. On to the mid-grade: high performance engines have higher compression in an attempt to produce more power in a smaller space, and a result the fuel will detonate prematurely because of the compression. The mid-grade fuel is actually degraded with a retarder to control that early detonation. The octane goes up, power goes down, and the gas companies charge more than double what that additive actually costs to give you less power. With the premium, it more than doubles the amount of additive. Again, even less energy for even more money.
Those vehicles that have a mid-grade or premium fuel requirement have to run on that fuel or detonation, commonly called pinging or knock, will result. Bad for the engine. So, running higher than needed octane gives you less energy for more money. For the best power and reduced fuel system problems use 100% gas. Here in the east I find that the break-even price point for the tradeoff between increased mileage with 100% gas and reduced mileage with ethanol enriched regular is .25-.28/gallon. I use stabilizer in the gas cans for small engines regardless of the fuel type.
Do a little research and you'll come to the same conclusion.