I've upgraded both my bikes to 3X9 with close ratio cassettes. one a 12-23 & the other 12-25.
My chain rings are 22-32-36/38.
I pretty much ride them as a 1x9, using the middle ring.
However, I have used the granny in severe headwinds and the larger if I'm out of the urban areas where i can ride a few miles without stop signs etc. (better chainline)
With my emphysema, I can dial in the exact gear I need that works within my narrow (80-85 because of bad knees) cadence range.
If the head/tail wind changes a couple MPH, I can shift one tooth and still spin away with the SAME EFFORT.
I pretty much use the analogy of a semi truck. The engine runs in a relatively narrow range of power output/RPM and they use the gear they need to keep it there.
If you like fewer gears, use them. If you like more, that's fine too. Everybody has different needs/knowledge of what works for them.