Lots of numbers...and isn't that an awful lot to think about?
How does that translate to real-time riding?
Do you actually shift twice each step?
I had no clue....obviously.

I ride the big ring unless it gets too hard, then I go small.
I know that's a simplistic view, but I almost never use the small cogs on the small ring.
I'm either climbing or going as fast as possible.
I am starting to realize the value of steady cadence, sometimes.

I guess what I'm asking is, how would knowing that information make me faster in say, a triathlon?

I'll take my answer off the air.