Anti 650c talk has been around forever. In the mid 90's my 1st small frame had 650c wheels and I was hearing the same kind of comments. That said, I love my 650's so much that I stayed with them when I had my custom frame built. At the same time I also demoed a bike with 700c wheels and honestly couldn't tell the difference.

Here's more information about 650c wheelsets,

http://www.rodbikes.com/blog/?p=355

I also have a compact crank, it's a Specialities TA crankset with a 48t big ring in the front. Rear is 13x29 ( Campy cassette). I do spin out on downhills but get much more use from my big ring. I can climb most hillls even though I don't ride hills as much as I used to. I love my 48t ring, I often stay in that ring on easy climbs.

I've never had a triple so I can't compare but my observation of the women I knew riding triples is they almost never used their big ring in the front on rolling terrain except for downhills (I'm sure some here will disagree).

If you find your having trouble with hills consider getting a larger cassette. Also, make sure you carry a tube with you in case of flats. Other than that you'll be fine, enjoy your new bike.