I concur that we can't really predict when you might want to switch from seated to standing. E.g. I tend to stand in a variety of circumstances, including when I'm not in my lowest gear.

So far I find the 32 to be very helpful. It keeps me at a low cadence while climbing the hills. I'll go a little slower, but I also am less likely to go anaerobic, and thus less likely to blow a gasket later in the ride.