I don't mind IGH steps when they're uniform and smaller than 20%. This is what makes my SRAM i-Motion 9 my favorite road IGH. 17% steps, 340% range for ~$350 with shifter. It's not as tough as a Shimano 8 speed but it's good enough for the road. Shimano 8 speeds have a 25% step between 5th and 6th gear. That translates to going from 95rpm to 70 rpm when I shift from 5th to 6th, I find it very irritating on the road. I'm not comfortable with a cadence less than 80rpm or more than 95rpm when I'm pushing, it puts a hole in my pace speed.