MXC 250 gearing for woods

I have a '01 MXC 250 with stock gearing and was wondering what everyone else uses for woods/trails/single track riding. I have heard a few people like to drop the rear by a tooth or even two. I know in stock form 1st is pretty useless. Will dropping a tooth or two on the rear make the low end feel weaker? or the opposite?
All opinions are appreciated