I like a 39 chain ring for my local riding. I don't often need the 53, and never need anything smaller. I spend most of my time in the 16 to 24 mph range, and it serves me well. When I ride where there are steep inclines, I use a triple, but a compact works there too. If you are fortunate to have terrain where one ring suits your abilities for 90+ % of your riding, get that ring and enjoy ignoring the front dérailleur. I think most people who are dissatisfied with a compact crank are annoyed at the need to shift the front often in their usual riding.