I live in the relatively flat midwest so that large of sprocket isn't needed for my rides. I did change the front crank to a slightly different SR swept version that has a smaller BCD and thus I was able to get a 52-40 front-end (I could go to a 38 if needed) vs the original 52-42. So the 40 helps with the hills. All my Japanese riders now sport either 23 or 24 for the largest sprockets (13 for smallest) thus allowing the short cage Suntour Superbe or Cyclone derailleurs.

BTW, I'm not getting any younger here either - 58.5 now!