SRAM red does a double crankset with 52/38 or 52/36 as well as the standard double & the compact double (50/34) - so some of you that don't like the compact compact might like those.

I used to ride a standard double - and I didn't notice a huge difference going to my compact double. I miss the 53 outer chainring just 'cause I'm a bit of a masher - but I do spin and climb much better on the compact double.

Generally if I'm going to shift into the 34 chain ring up front, I simultaneously gear up 2 gears in the back - that usually gives me a pretty even shift downwards and I don't have to hunt for the next gear I want to be in.