You're right about the fuel issue in Oz.
It's the explaination Honda gave (officially) when the type R DC5 was released.
The reality is that BP sell a 98, and Shell sell a 98.4 (Optimax). The other oil companies sell a premium unleaded that varies, but the very best of them seems to be a 95 (the datasheets are all on the internet). Some are so shamefully low, the only thing premium is the price.
When you venture 100km outside the capital cities, particularly inland, the support BP and Shell give to these premium products is patchy (wonderfull in some remote areas, terrible in others). And Shell have a serious supply problem with Optimax (very often they are out of stock), at least where I live anyway (Brisbane).
I saw similar fuel issues in the UK in the late 90's. Particularly when you go north, and into parts of Scotland (which was a great place for a driving holiday by the way).
But since the type R ECU is suppose to detect and compensate accordingly, it is hard to imagine (really) whether the difference between 11.0:1 and 11.4:1 compression ratios, will really avoid pre-ignition, if someone decides to put 89 octane into the tank and rev up to 8k rpm.
Some suspect that the fuel issue (as true as it is), was a convenient scape goat. The reality is that allot of expensive bells and whistles are missing (like the Bremo brakes, the wheels, and the tires), and this cost cutting was not reflected in the price tag.
But it's all ancient history now. For whatever reason the decision was made, it killed off Type R sales over the last 3 years. Making the WRX so common over here, every bloke (and his grandmother) has one. I guess if you slap a spolier kit and a big enough turbo into any family sedan, you get a fast car (not a sports car........just a fast car)
Funny, Honda recently released the "Euro" Accord over here. I haven't investigated enough to see if we get the real one over here, or whether they've "censored" that model too
Very socially compliant and aware over here. Responsible driving, and safety are a big thing. There's even a government add campaign running that suggests if you drive 1km/hr over the speed limit, you're a killer. (No bull). Never mind the guy that sits in the fast lane at 10 under the limit, frustrating everyone behind him. It's the guy that over takes him that's the killer. (The world has gone ga-ga over here).
Love to try my DC5 out on 100 RON ! Might put some additive in it sometime, and check it out.
Cheers
R.