Triple v. compact double, it depends on your strength and experience. Are you a good climber? You might want a compact double. I never use my largest chain ring and there have been rides with hills that I was halfway through before I realized I was still on the middle ring but there are times when I really need that granny.
It also depends on the gearing combinations, you could probably get close to a triple gearing ratio with the right double combination.
2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager