Doc here,
No the reason I specified 8, is the wire is larger than required for the draw because of possible rotor locks, and changing conditions of the compressor, as was mentioned, Compressors are not stable load items..(less heat, more power to the load) and the 30 amp breaker to limit the amount of draw between the line and the load closer to the spike load.
Better safe than sorry..and I am assuming it's under 100 foot run ..
Doc