I did Everest Challenge with a 53-39 and 11-32. No need to change the derailleur as I was using a 7900. I just put a shim under the B screw. I'm not certain a compact would have helped, since I didn't really feel overgeared during the high altitude steep parts. I just felt mainly tired.

A compact might have made it feel easier but I am betting I would have also gone slower.