I run a triple. On all my rides. I'm ok with it because I pass a LOT of people walking on the rides I enter. I've never had anyone in the real world comment negatively about it because they appreciate that I have selected equipment that matches my ability and the rides that I do. Most of the time I never use the granny gear, but on the big climbs, you bet I'll be shifting to it

Compacts never really appealed to me, mainly because I like the 52 up front and the close ratios that the triple offers. I think maybe what I'm saying is HTFU and get a triple!