Just a question, why get an Optima at all? They are awfully expensive for not much benefit overall, depending on your application and Optima type used. Huge majority of cars on the road run "regular cheapo" batteries for many years without problems.
But to sum up the battery usage:
-Red top Optima: Think of it as an expensive regular battery. Apart from the ability to mount in any position, it doesn't offer much in return for the extra money. From what I've seen on the stereo forums, it doesn't seem to offer any extended lifespan over normal types.
-Yellow top Optima (or blue top): Semi-deep cycle battery, it is NOT a true deep cycle battery. Notice in their advertising it says "deep cycle ability" or "characteristics".
Biggest benefit is you can discharge it, without causing much damage to the battery, unlike the red top, or a "regular battery". Only useful if you use your car without the engine running, such as listening to the stereo etc. Disadvantages are reduced CCA's and extra weight.
-With the engine running, any battery is nothing but an extra load on the system. A bigger or more powerful one doesn't provide any improvement, quite the opposite.
-Most batteries will last about 5 years. My Yellow top may not last even that long by the looks of it.
-As far as starting the engine (main use of the battery), I haven't had any problems using a tiny 450 CCA "regular cheapo" battery even in relatively cool weather (-5 Celsius). My Optima cost about 6 times more than this battery! But I use the electrical system a lot without the engine running, so there is justification for using it in my case.