Like I said somewhere back early in this shindig, and I am not saying its a coverall this is just my opinion.
I like a triple because it allows me, as a recreational cyclist To use the same bike for pretty much any road condition without changing a cassette. But that is my bike. What I dont like is when the wanna be racer/poser, not to be confused with an amatuer racer sneers at my bike because I have a triple. I think that a compact is a compromise in gearing choices, it sacrafices the high end or intermediate gearing to get a lower gear than a standard, I would rather lug the extra weight.
When people look at an athletes rig and start comparing it to thiers, well thats just silly. Its comparing apples to dohnuts.
Wouldnt you laugh at Alberto Contrador if he showed up to the tour with a triple? I know I would.
As far as your young ladie cat2 climbing may not be her gig either. It takes a supreem athlete to be a great all arounder, or a good drug supply ( kidding)