I guess that we're used to big jumps - just not "huge" ones (53t - 34t). We may have to give up some top end.
However one of the things that makes me feel like Superman (briefly) is when we close in on a much younger, stronger rider near the crest of a hill, gradually upshift until we hit the 54/11 and watch him try to hang on as we pedal up to 45mph. This doesn't happen often but it is a real ego boost when we get the opportunity. I'd like to think it makes them appreciate what a tandem can do. It puts a smile on my face when we can do this. It is one of the things that sets tandems apart.