If I have a problem with 1x? is that the one chainring usually has a massive number of teeth and my knees start hurting just looking at it. Yes, the smaller cogs in the back make up for it, but the same gear ratio seems to hurt me more the larger the front chainring is. I am much more a spinner than a masher.

Maybe this is just me, but this would be something to limit in a co-op. If using 1x?, limit to a certain number of teeth in the front. This is one reason multiple chainrings do have a purpose. You can have a fairly small ring up front, and still have a big one when (and if) you need it.