IMO you don't really need to understand gears much, you just need to think about what feels comfortable and efficient and shift to get there. If you feel that you're pedalling like crazy and not going fast enough, by all means shift to the biggest ring in front and see what it feels like. I usually shift down a notch or two in back at the same time so that the transition isn't that abrupt.
No reason to stay away from the big ring just because someone else doesn't like to use it much. If you can ride it, use it