I don't understand why you don't think it makes sense, when the fuel level is low, the engine management leans out the fuel pressure to conserve fuel, limiting WOT fuel delivery, so that the fuel pump does not scavange empty air, resulting in bubbles in the fuel line.
My honda V-tec would do it, as well as my Mazda 6. Either by limiting the fuel pressure or retarding the spark to limit the performance. anything less then 1/16th seemed to affect the performance.
