When I started on the road I had a triple. 52/42/30. I rarely used the big ring unless it was downhill. Granny came in on the hills but most of the riding was in the 42. I just could not use the 52 without cross chaining. Second bike had a compact fitted with 50/34 and I suddenly found I was using the big ring. Had to use the 34 on the hills but never found that I needed a lower gear than that.

Now I know that the bike was far better- but The Compact gearing was far better for my legs. That still does not give me a good enough reason for the fact that I could use the big ring more than I ever used to use the 52. Must be a mental thing because it is only two teeth- but speed went up and energy on the rides was higher. So perhaps that 2t difference was just more suitable for my legs as I was getting older. So just explain to me why I no longer need the 30t even up the steepest hills in my area.