I´m not sure about that. Have you documents to prove that there is a floor that can be not be crossed and if so what it is and why, in best case with sources? Or ist just another of your assumption poured in fact? Maybe @James has thoughts about this?

Personally i think there is not to much way from the 860W lamp to a 1000w and i think the limiting factor ould be a lak of demand rather then a lack of possibility, as these big CMH lamps are more expensive to manufacture then QMH and have different optical characteristics..

This is more likely.

 I Agree ! Going up by only 120w can't be that difficult...Or at least I wouldn't think !  @James ?

 The Wide-Lite now has a new ballast and works perfectly ! It actually strikes quicker than before . Previously , it took close to 30 seconds or more to initially strike once power was applied . Now, it strikes almost instantly ! I also cleaned up the wiring a bit while I was there .
 Other than balancing on the peak of a slippery metal roof , the job was relatively quick and easy .

 I looked into getting one of the Philips 860w CMH lamps but decided against it due to the fact that they produce 20,000 lumens less than the std . GE 1000w probe-start I'm currently using !  I'd like to find one of the clear base-down HO lamps but I haven't found one that didn't cost an arm and both legs !  Besides , the HO lamp is only 5,000 lumens more .  I could do ANOTHER ballast swap and make the Wide-lite  1,500 watts but I'd also need to get a lamp along with the ballast . No thanks !

Nice job mate!

 Thanks !