I agree that having a 3x10 is great for endurance rides with lots of climbing. Having the ability to spin up a hill without resorting to a bailout gear really improves your net speed and endurance over the long rides.

When pace lining having a one tooth drop when you hit the front when you are not quite ready for a heroic pull keeps the line moving and you in the mix.

Initially I had poor luck with 10 speed chain breaking, but with sram chains I have no issues.

That said there is nothing wrong with 7 speed but to get the same range as a compact with reasonable steps you need a triple for sure. Not a problem, but then again I have no problem with 3x10 either.

The all around sweet spot would be 2x11 with a 46-30 out front with an 11-30 on the rear. Especially for gravel. As for being expensive, 105 is a bargain.

What doesn't make sense is 11t cogs instead of 16t cogs on shimano 11s cassettes. Buying two cassettes to make the one they should be selling is a crappy situation to find ourselves in while considering 11s shimano as progress...