Thanks to all who have offered advice. I guess I've concludes that a Sram 1x is probably not the solution. I have one more question. How about a Sram 2x solution. A 50/34 compact crank with a 10x42 rear cassette. I think I'd need a Sram MTB rear derailleur to shift that cassette, so do the Sram road shifters shift a MTB derailleur?

One additional comment on Di2. A member of our Sunday morning riding group just purchased a new ½ bike with Ultegra Di2 groupset. Last Sunday as we were just about to depart she noticed she forgot her battery. How much of an issue is that?