I run 50/36 with an 11-23 in back. We have lots of climbing here in the sf bay area and for me this combo works. I could also have done a 53/39 with 12-25 for roughly the same low end, but I'm pretty used to the compact configuration at the moment. I don't think I've ever spun out the 50-11.

Right now, the main benefit is that I'm used to the gearing combo (cross-chaining is no issue - don't forget to trim - though I don't do it too much) and that there's a small weight savings from the smaller rings and cassette. Nothing of real import though.