Move to a 46T or 49T(much harder to find) chainring and I think you will have dialed-it-in. Schwinns 2nd tier tourers from the id 80's (Le Tour Lux/Passage) used your first combination with 28/46/50.
I also like the smallest granny gear I can find (usually 24T). If you need it, you usually REALLY need it.