The jump between 34 and 50 is a lot for sure, on flatter rides I can keep it in the 50 tooth for most of the ride, and the wide spread does provide undeniable function, but I have never "liked" a 50/34 crank.

My modern road bike has 48t and 35t chain rings, the 48t big ring can be used for anything that isn't specifically a climb (36t big cog), so shifting the front is minimized and a 10t rear cog still gives me a tall enough big gear for descending. The 13 tooth difference on the front is a LOT more friendly than the 16 tooth difference of a compact double. There is plenty about modern bikes that is annoying, but gearing is good enough that I didn't modify a brand new bike's gearing/drivetrain when I bought it.