Originally Posted by
Unca_Sam
In a word: Yes! The components bearing markings like "Max 8 Nm" are telling you that torque exceeding that maximum will damage the component. It's different from Shimano/Campy/SRAM giving a minimum and a maximum amount. If it's tight enough to hold in place without exceeding the maximum, then that's the correct torque. If you can't get it to stay while approaching max torque, add a carbon assembly paste to add enough friction.
One caveat, torque ratings I believe are typically specifying the max that the bolt and the threads on receiver combo can withstand and avoid stripping. Potentially a max torque rating on a component, if used, could potentially damage the item that the component is being bolted to. For example, a seatpost clamp max torque rating, doesn't accommodate or know what material or can be withstood by whatever seatpost you're using. A stem's handlebar clamp doesn't know what handlebar you're using. A FD clamp doesn't know what your seat tube can withstand, etc. The advice to use the least amount of torque necessary to hold is the best advice.
Obviously (hopefully) CF paste shouldn't be used on threads/bolts - eg. the OP's headset -- I can't imagine there's anywhere that you'd use CF paste in that scenario.