Compact Double or Triple?

[TxDoc]

aaah the old staple discussion...
whatever makes you happy

I have to agree here, the gearing choice is a common debate here, and is very personal. The terrain definitely is a factor - but also personal preference and riding style.
Try a few bikes with a triple, then a few with a standard double, and then a few with a compact double - and see what suits your riding style best.
The 'big jumps' you mention were common with 5-6-7 speed cassettes, but are very unlikely today with 10 or 11 cogs.