How funny - I was thinking about the "big ring" thread today, too, while climbing a fairly large hill today (in the rain) spinning in a low gear as usual. Heart rate was pretty elevated.
I was thinking, I'm working pretty hard already, what was it that Hermes' coach would say to me?
Oh yeah, "grab the big ring."
So then I thought if somebody was to yell at me right now to shift into the big ring I would tell him to #@%^ing well jump on my bike and turn the #@#$%&ing pedals himself.
I guess I need to HTFU...