First road bike I got after 16 years of MTB's had a triple with 52/42/30 and a 12/26 cassette. Used all the gears on the cassette but mainly used the 42 middle ring and only used the 52 when on a downslope. Next bike had a compact crank of 50/34 and the 2 teeth difference on the big ring made a difference. Often use the 50 and it is surprising how often I am using the 12 of the 12/27 cassette aswell.

Today I was out on a compact 50/34 and 12/25 cassette. Pretty flat ride and only got out of the 50 to improve chain line as 50/25 was causing derailleur rub. Cross chaining causes more than just noise so use the gears to save wear.