Not sure how much my anecdotal experience will help. Got into cycling a few months ago. First bike Trek FX had 50/34 and I think 11/34 in the back. I was weak starting out so I appreciated that gearing. Then I got the SuperSix which had 52/36 and 11/28. I was spending a lot of time in weaker gears so the first chance I got I bought a 50/34. Got stronger through lots of riding and when I bought my TCR it came with 52/36 and 11/28. To my surprise I prefer it and actually spend most of my time on the 52. I’m not a racer by any means but I do ride enough to want to get stronger, it only took three months to go from thinking the 50/34 was barely enough for me to appreciating the 52/36.