I guess what is considered reasonable steps depends on the person. I find my 9 speed 11-34 to be ok. My wife's 10 speed 11-36 is slightly better, and I'm sure 11 speed 11-42 is very very similar, ie all three have pretty good percentage jumps suited to touring.
Sure, my mtb triple isn't very highly geared, but honestly, with a heavy bike with very unaero panniers, it's not often that my touring bike can get up past 70kph, very rare indeed. So for me it's not a big deal to have a top end of only 104 gear inches.
if I were to cut my touring load down by half,I'd easily change my 11-34 to a 12-27, just to get the nice closer steps.
if in ten speed then a 12-30,or 34 in 11 speed.