The only question I have for the climbing warriors is in your opinions, (having experience with triples and compact doubles), did the easier small ring selection on the triples keep you from developing as a climber? That is, over reliance on easier gears can be a bad thing if you are still growing as a climber. At 56 y/o I think I can get much better at climbing and find myself staying in the 50 chain ring longer and the middle cogs longer than before when climbing.
Of course, I am speaking of road cycling and not MTB or loaded touring. 12%+ grades are another matter and I could see where a small ring (24-28) would be welcomed.