I started out with my current bike as a complete noob, and I'm not a natural climber. I have an FSA 50/36T compact crank and Shimano 12-27 cassette.

I really suffer on grades around 12%. I would need a triple for any consistent hills above that. However, I rarely use the 36x12 gear on hills (6-9% usually) anymore. And a 34T small ring is definitely easier than the 36.

I'm not sure I'd particularly want to do 18% hills even with a triple , but I wouldn't underestimate your climbing ability with a compact.