Is it better for my B+ /A- student applying test optional to apply ED1 and ED2 to two of their reaches?

Yes yes - I think we were saying the same thing just differently. I was mid-pointing the mid-50.

I also completely agree with you that the best advice to anyone is to research the specific schools because they all have different methodologies. Can’t make a blanket statement that “ED is an advantage”. At some schools it is, at some it’s not.