1x is somewhat a fad in this application.
Mountain bikes need 1x to remove constraints on frame design and suspension
I could make a weak argument for cross, as I never spin out my small chain ring on cross.
But for gravel/road it really does nothing. Chain retention shouldn’t be an issue on well designed/speced bike. Adding a monster cassette isn’t going to save you the weight of losing one chain ring. If I’m running with the testosterone laced crowd, we may be doing some 35mph sprints which drop the 1x people (prompting a regroup).
There is nothing wrong with 1x for many people. It looks kinda cool, and may be less confusing for some people, but its not going to meet everyone’s needs.