There are times I want to mash, and yet others I want to spin... I say let your own physiology and desires determine how you enjoy your bike. There are definitely times when I need to spin, but I also enjoy the low, rhythmic cadence of a large gear at speed--and my legs are definitely not spinning at the same rate they might up an incline, for example.
I have single speeds with granny gears, and a cool fixie with gearing that would make Merckx cringe--okay, maybe not him, but me for sure
I tend to side with the bike as an object of my pleasure, with the "intent" of cycling a distant second to this. But then again, I'm an overweight 40-something, so what do I know about this?
Just my .02. Enjoy the ride!