Compact vs traditional frame geometry is a matter of personal preference. Some people fit well on a compact frame, others do not. And that does not really correlate with how tall you are. For example I'm short, only 5'4'', and still I need the old school bikes with horizontal top tube to achieve a good fit. I'm one of the old fashioned people that believe wsd to be only a marketing hype - but that is just my opinion. Some buddies I ride with, shorter or taller than me, prefer compact geometries with a very sloping top tube. Some of the girls ride wsd, others ride unisex frames.
It's all personal, like the choice of a saddle or a component group.
The only advice I can offer is - test ride as many bikes as you can, work with a good pro fitter, and pick the one that you are most comfortable with and that can help you reach your goals.
Don't worry too much about what your friends do - what works for them is their personal preference, and nowhere it's written that it will also work for you.
Good luck!