I live in Colorado and love hitting the front range mountain climbs. My new bike has a sub-compact and my
old bike had a compact. I can tell you I prefer having the 52 over the 50 more than I miss having the 34 over the 36. However, everyone’s mileage is going to vary on this. Which is why I find it funny that people argue about it like it is robbing their identity if you don’t follow their religion here. If you feel you would be better off with a sub compact, you’re probably right. However, you won’t really know unless you try.

Unfortunately, if you are wrong, it’s kind of an expensive trial. Either way, the difference is pretty small on the grand scheme. So if money is tight, I wouldn’t change anything. If you have some free income, why not? You may really like the change.