I like the idea of a smaller small sprocket on the front, seems like the easiest (and Cheapest) change to make. Also, gear ratios are admittedly not my strong point, but it "feels" like there's really only 12 gears. I mean the middle sprocket seems to be able to cover all the gears of the Large/Small sprocket, except the 2 biggest with the small and 2 smallest with the big. Changing the small sprocket up front could conceivably net me more ratios, correct? Also, is this the correct chain ring?

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/chainrings/74.html