I run a 10 spd 12-30 with my compact 50-34, and get over most hills I see in Southern Cal. I have a Di2 Ultegra setup. Had a 28 rear originally. The change to 30 was noticable.

I'm one of those luddites that still runs a triple. On long climbs, I'm apt to put it in the granny and keep it there instead of using it as a bailout gar. I think my lowest gear is a 30/28.

I just had a knee replacement and was pretty worried about tackling the big mountain climbs here in my area- very hilly in the VA mountains. So I bought my new bike and had them customize it a bit to help take the stress off my new knee and old heart. It came with a Tiagra 50/34 compact crank- which I had them swap out for same 50/34- but in 165mm length.

They then put a 36 sprocket on my rear cassette. so I guess its 11/36 on the rear- or 12/36? Anyway- it works beautifully and gives me some serious granny gears. F and R derailleurs are still Tiagra that came stock.