Regarding that, in the ODE physic engine (which current TB uses) -9.82 is Earth gravity. The reason it doesn't feel realistic is because you're thinking of them in human terms.

1.0 unit of size is 1 meter
1.0 unit of weight is 1 metric ton
1.0 unit of force is 1 newton
1.0 unit of velocity is 1 kph

The reason you have to raise gravity right up is because Toris aren't human sized and have enough movement power to leap into orbit.

Obviously that'll all change in Next since new engine, and new physics, but it'll give you something to think about for current modding if you really want to try and make them more humanish - it's pretty entertaining trying to keep them upright with realistic joint strength & body weight etc