Optimization only allows you to run a program at its rating + the response/system rating, if you bought up the optimization rating that high.
So if your program was rating 6, and you ran it on a system of 4 you would be able to run it at 4+4 to a maximum of 6, the program rating. If you tried that on a system of 2, you could only run it up to 4. And then there is a maximum amount of optimized programs you can run. I don't believe optimization extends to Skillsofts, or active softs though. As Activesofts only go up to 4, and skillwires only go up to 5, there wouldn't be much point.
Reading it, Optimization only extends to Autosofts anyway, not Activesofts, I don't see where Activesofts are grouped under simsense though.