This is interesting, cuz I used to ride more like you, so for me its been an evolution brought about by both gaining experience and a properly fitting bike. Before my accident I had a triple, and I used that small chain ring. But, the fellow making my custom crank set urged me to go with a compact double, and while at first it was hard, I realized that for me my granny gear really was a crutch, if I had it I used it but I could climb even a long slow mountain descent in the pyrenes in my 34/34. Also, getting my terry bikes with short top tubes is what was required for me to feel really comfortable out of the saddle, I needed to be balanced over the bike. No, I don't do this in a long steady mountainous climb, but its great to avoid having to change gears when the road suddenly steepens for a short way. Once you have a better fitting bike you may find your riding style changes too. But if that happens its very easy to swap out a chain ring or casette. I used to even use different casettes for different terrain, but decided to stick to the 11/34 cuz its easier.
Lisa, you posted after me on the wool weenie thread. Do you like my new sweater? It looks a tad heavier than the shak, but I hope its not too bulky. I like that my shak S is very slim and sleek, but then I can't layer it over my heaviest cotton t-necks. It looks like the oganic sweater i just ordered in M will do the trick, I just hope it doesn't end up bulking me up too much. We'll see..... there is always return UPS. I said that last time but that Ibex stuff is so addictive. And boy is wool warm!
