When I was bike shopping in 2005/2006, most road bikes in the local shops were 50/34 and 12/25. Only the "comfort" versions had 25mm tires and a 12/27.
A few riders that struggled with hills got a replacement mountain bike derailleur and a 11/32 cassette.

Now, 50/34 and 11/32 are common, with 25mm or even 28mm tires. That's what I have now, quite an improvement.
And I see some 48/32 cranksets. These would be perfect for a lot of riders.