Erik,
My filter pressure is about 1 lb. on a 30 lb. gauge.
Filter pressure is not an indication as to how well your pump is working. It is an indication of how hard it is to move water through your filter.
You want to run your VS pump as slow as your can and still get the job done.
I run at about 1200 RPM as that is what it takes to turn on my salt system.
I run my pump 24/7, for less than $20 bucks a month. I do this because I like making a little chlorine all the time. I like skimming all the time. And I like the look of my pool when there is a little movement to the water. Not required, just something that a lot of people here like to do.
Thanks,
Jim R.