If the car is seeing positive boost pressure at 2800rpm and the turbo will not boost any higher I think you have other issues. Its a pity the performance place couldnt help identify anything. The turbo could be fine, sure a GT3076R would be better but doesnt mean the turbo on there cant work well. Would suck to buy a new turbo and then find out the issue is still there. Although I cant say what tests to run, hopefully some other people on here can help with that.
Hmmm so its got to be something that restricts the turbo as it spools up but still allows it to get to a nice peak power. hmm
Yup -1 for the GT35R with 0.63 housing, dont do it.