I have ridden 72 gear inches to 82 gear inches and a few gear inches in between.

I have found I get around town as fast with 72 gear inches as with 82 gear inches, but I feel sooo much safer at 72 gear inches because of the control I have going downhill.

I generally go downhill slower than I go uphill.

I have a Cane Creek single pivot front brake (more dollars than grams) and I use it, NEED it, about once every four rides.
When I need it, I need it.

My spin has improved enormously over the past two years.
I can go as fast now at 72 gear inches as I could when I started riding 82 gear inches.
I think someone with more skill than I have can go even faster with lower gear inches.
Maybe in another two years I'll go as fast with 68 gear inches as I do now with 72 gear inches, but with a lot more control.
Control, control, control.
I'll still ride with a front brake, though (I think).