Regarding 20 lbs, if your pump turns on at 45 like mine, I don't see how 20 lbs of pressure would work very well. Seems like it would only use a little water out of the tank before the pressure dropped low enough for the pump to kick on again. Just theorizing, but with the tank pressure set near the pump turn-on pressure, it should use nearly all of the 2 gallons in the tank before the pump kicks back on, which would maximize the value of having the tank.
You nailed it. For those still wondering WHAT it all means..
The pressure the tank is at is set when the system is a '0' psi. Pressure up the system to 40 PSI, and you will find the tank pressure has increased also, up to your shutoff pressure. The water stored decreases the air volume in the accumulator, raisng the pressure on the trapped air.
My pump turns OFF at ~40 psi, (pretty sure... have yet to put a gauge on it, but thats stock setting) not 'on' as you state above. If yours turns on at 45, what is your 'off' pressure?!?
In my system, with 20 'on' and 40 psi 'off pressures, if I put the pre-pressure on the tank to 45 psi it would hold no water, as the pump would have to go above shut off to fill the accumulator.
Likewise, should the pressure be set below turn on pressure, it will reduce the amount of water the accumulator dispenses before the pump cuts back on. It will be 'full' , sure, but not have the pressure in the bladder to deliver that water.
Having the pressure set at slightly lower than shutoff delivers maximum volume from the tank, and minimum pump cycling. Some may call this overthinking, others may call it understanding the operating concept to ensure peak efficiency.

Like the AC techs that charge the system to 'cold as a beer can' on the inlet side, no need to overthink it with all the wet bulb and temperature drop readings stuff... they dont pay the electric bill on your house.

We have a name for those techs here- FORMER employees.
