Does 87 really correspond to "unity"? I know that one is expected to calibrate such that 87 reflects "reference levels", but I'm not sure that it means full-scale digital.
Someone else may know. Certainly, I'd not want to run a pair of 8ks much over 87!!!
Yes I also will never run my 8k on that level, I need my blood in my body and not coming out from the ears

I tested the 87 level long time ago with a test CD and a non Meridian device, with a 0dB signal on the test CD I had full signal on the processor output.
Going over 87 generate clipping.