Agree 100%. If 46/33 is the lowest climbing gear needed, I'd go with a smaller ring and maybe consider running a 10-28 cassette, for the exact reasons you stated.

For me, a 46/10 is too big for anything other than out-of-the-saddle sprinting or massive tailwind group-ride situations. At a casual 90rpm, 44/10 is still good for over 31mph. A 42/10 at 95rpm would do the same. 42x28 is just barely bigger than a 46x33.