Originally Posted by CliffordK

The triples are still very much alive in the MTB market.

Going with a 10 or 11 spd, and fairly big sprocket, one may not truly need a triple, especially if using a 110bcd compact crank. 33 gears is just TOO MANY.

Personally I don't like the aggressive contours on the inner side of the Shimano front deraileurs, and have had troubles up-shifting with them, so I'd choose a SRAM or similar dérailleur over the Shimano dérailleurs. But, you're right that a lack of shifter support could be the downfall of the triples for use with drop-bar bikes (road/cyclocross).