I've ridden racing doubles, compact doubles, touring triples and MTB triples as well as one-speed bikes. They're all great for their intended purpose.
I recently swapped out my front chainrings on my utility bike to 48/39T (sort of like cyclocross gearing). This bike has a 13-30T rear, which makes for some really nice combinations. I don't miss anything higher than the 48-13T combination at all. Anyway, I like the idea of the cyclocross double for an all-around bike.