AHA! That made me realize something - and I see it the same way now.
Woods riding, dune riding, desert riding - play riding in general seems to use less fuel than MX or racing.
I guess it's because you're constantly varying the throttle in smaller, less dramatic amounts while you enjoy the scenery and such. You don't use WFO near as much as you think, either. Yea, off the line and out of corners, but you have longer sections that only require 1/3 - 1/2 throttle to haul balls once you're moving. :shock:
But the second you get into "short course" mode (i.e. MX, stadium style, "quick and tight") you pretty much use two settings:
On
Off
Most of the time it's delivered in bursts (wide open until you see God, then brake)- acceleration's what really eats the push water - so fuel economy goes bye bye :?