I have a 2012 with the composite prop (the Hartzell) with ballast, so the max weight is fine, though the CG tends to be a little tight. I just put the heavier folks in front. I've never had an issue, changed a destination, left anyone (or anything) behind, etc.
This said, the airplane has constraints (like any) and one gets to choose full fuel, large loads, but never both. On the performance side, I always enjoy the airplane when it is just me (and our border collie), full fuel, great range, and lots of social isolation.