On my last trip stayed in the top range of my middle ring because I can run the whole rear cog that way with my mtb rear detailer since I switched rims. Big or small I can't use the full range. Could swap that out but not till it fails or I mix another bike.

That said, I did use my big ring on downhills or flatland with little headwind.

I'm looking at compact double for a lighter bike though for faster tours.

Different tools for different jobs.