All can still be boiled down to how close the ratios are in the back if you want the diversity of a triple with a compact. For the average cyclist I believe a compact is better then a regular double...certainly my experience. But if set up properly, for me a triple is even better with 13-26 10sp in the back. Every once in a while...not often...on real steep stuff near the end of a long ride, I need 30-26 and unless you go to a 29 in the rear with a compact, you won't get that short a ratio. I also use my 51-13 fully down hill. If you want diversity and less shifting up front, a triple is the way to go. How's that?
George