I used to run a 50/34 and a 12-36. It wasn't a massive annoyance but I found myself shifting the front and then having to shift the rear back into smaller rings after each drop to the inner ring on the front. When I wore my rings down I just bought a triple and a tighter cassette for the rear. I like the idea of smaller rings on a compact double rather than the bigger rings that seem the norm.

I might build up my mountain bike with a 42/26 double that uses a triple with a bashguard for an outer ring. Might even be able to use short cage derailleurs for increased ground clearance.