I stayed with 9-speed because I wanted to mix DT shifters with MTB gearing. IIRC at the time 11-36 would have cost a lot more than an 11-34 and I couldn't justify its cost so I used 11-34. On the front I have 22/32/44 so I can live without the 36. the drivetrain is all Deore except for the crankset which is non-series (I think at Alivio level). I'm within the published limits for both my derailleurs (which was one of my build goals).