I have a compact on my CAAD9 now. My next crankset will be a standard. I find that I cross-chain A LOT and like you have to make that front ring decision all the time. I also find that I spin out a lot on the top end since I ride mountains and rolling hills most of the time and am downhill 50% of the time. I would like more top end and less cross-chaining so it's going to be a standard for me.
Also, I'll make the switch from aluminum to carbon. Then I'll really be able to comment on MY perspectives of carbon vs aluminum and standard vs compact. Right now for me it's all hypothetical.