Thanks again for everyone's feedback. I definitely agree that crank size should not be used as a substitute for proper gearing. I'm not making any changes now, but in the future, when I determine proper crank length for the best fit, if two sizes fit me equally well, I'll probably go with the slightly longer crank to help with low(er) cadence climbing.
As for simplyred's post, I'll say that it's
not like jumping out of a plane without a chute. Jumping out of the plane, you'll get where you want to go really fast.
Geared with a 42/21 in the mountains, a recreational rider is going to take all day to get anywhere!
