V1 with kit lenses at mountain town

Many thanks for sharing these interesting pictures.

Semi newbie question - With regards to the aperture used (a few of them are f/7 or even f/9) - is it not best to stick to a maximum of f/5.6 with this camera/lens to maintain sharpness and minimize distortion? As everything is already in focus by f/5.6?

Please feel free to correct me if wrong - I just wanted to make sure I am using my V1 correctly too