Normal.

I had my MY99 WRX running V6 STI ECU and it ran at 13 psi when letting the ECU do all the boost control.

I ended up buying a Turbosmart e-Boost controller (great piece of kit!!!) and wound it up to 17psi. It came alive then!

Just out of curiosity.... does your STI ECU have "VER 6 STI" written on the top in black marker pen?