Well, like I said, the Patterson offers a 28/48 and both Patterson and Shimano have given, if not written, then at least tacit, approval. That should do it for lower gears. We've got hills like Seattle has hills! My little town goes from 1100-2380 in about 5.5 miles. Even east-west it has about a 500' elevation change. Tough riding for a noob.
I've read a LOT about the Alfine and seen lots of people pounding on them even as MTB'ers. So I'm hoping it would work out. I've also seen that joe-bikes offers the n360 for $100 more. But I've heard less good things about the Nuvinci under stress than the Alfine.