ps, regarding your 44t mid ring being big, and about changing chainrings, you could also go to some bike co-ops or used bike places and the chances might be good to find a used 40t or smaller in good shape, as well as a 24t. You just wouldnt want to buy something pretty worn to begin with, but its worth looking, would be cheaper and there might be stuff out there.
my experience riding loaded with a 40 or 39t is that its ok, but with long inclines or headwinds, a smaller ring like a 36 is going to be better all around and a 36 specifically is one that you would be in for majority of riding.
There is a very good chance that changing both these rings would require no change in your front derailleur. It was no issue when I went from a 28 to a 24. I have recently changed a 30 granny to a 26t on more than one recent bikes with no issues, didnt have to touch a thing with the fds.