Boost on these cars is load dependent, more load more boost. Once initial load is gone boost drops off. On my car I see peaks of 18psi but only of the and on gear changes, but quick drops to a steady 15psi.
I agree boosted these car seem to fall flat in 3rd, well at least mine did as well before meth. I think possible by the time you reach 3rd the turbo's are so hot that they are loosing efficiency. But I do agree short shifting 3rd does seem to bring into the power band better, I plan on at septembers LMS meet to ask dan if he can change 3rd gears shift point. Maybe 500rpm's sooner. Try once at track leave in auto til I hit 2nd then shift M so I could shift to 3rd, but that will take some practice. I prematurely shift 3rd immediately after pull into M.