Originally Posted by
Fahrenheit531
Thanks for the responses, @
SquidPuppet, @
ThermionicScott... "more lube/more work/higher mainenance cost" is pretty much a dealbreaker though.

Yes. It's exactly two extra links.
If you amortize the cost of the additional lube over the life of the bike, it can become financially overwhelming. The additional wear and tear on the cleaning devices (Rags/toothbrush) must be factored in as well. But, one mustn't neglect to consider the increased life expectancy of the hardware itself as an offset.
I accept the weight penalty and higher maintenance costs associated with larger sprockets because I prefer their increased operating smoothness and silence.