Researching component groups & shifter types

[Catrin]

I've SRAM XO grips on my Gunnar (love them dearly), and X7 triggers on my mountain bike. I prefer the XO grips - and I must admit that I am a SRAM woman through and through. I strongly dislike Shimano triggers.

I've been told that it is a good idea to not go below SRAM X-7 level components but I do not know how valid that is. Both my bikes are a combination of X7 and X9, outside of the XO grips.