In the first place, your incorrect characterization of conservatism stems from a clear misunderstand of the Laffer Curve- which is used to show anyone- regardless of economic ideology- that there is indeed an optimal balance between tax rates and tax revenue. (your "taxes fall too low on the curve for optimal taxation" makes no sense- that's not what the curve describes).

Anyone with a modicum of economic education knows if you set tax rates too high (as the geniuses in California are about to do), the deadweight loss from such an increase will exceed or at least equate to the marginal benefits you would get from taxes.

"free markets really reminds one of nothing so much as communist dogma"  --except the former has economically and scientifically been shown to work, while the latter hasn't.

"Both rely on pseudo-religious faith?"  --  free markets and Capitalism exists today while your "true communism" does not indicates clearly that "faith" is not required for capitalism to work.