Compact and standard do ride differently and it is simply a matter of personal preference and fit.
For some reason, the compact just feels right to me. I like standard geo frames too but the compacts feel better for me.

It also depends on the make. I had a Specialized S-Works compact and it SUCKED. They did NOT have the front end worked out on that POS.

You just have to go with what feels right and what you like looking at.