It is true that my question was vague and I didn't quite know what I was asking...Which is why I asked
A couple of updates. When I say average 12-13 mph, that's the computer read will all the stops built in. no wind and flat natural pace for me is around 18-20 but that's hard to say because of all of the variables.
I don't have a cadence counter but this weekend was on longer straights and did several counts using a 60 second timer while counting rotations. The average cadence for how I have been riding for a while is about 74-75 rpm. I did a few where I consciencly spun faster but at a pace I thought I could keep for a good long while (close to bouncing but not bouncing) and got to the 85 range. I did several of really spinning but something I could get used to and was in the mid low 90's. It was a cool experiment. I will keep it up as suggested here and see what happens to my speed.
Armed with all of this new knowledge and thinking of a few short, but very very steep hills on my favorite rides (plus just wanting something different to experiment with) I ordered the 11-25 and am not messing with the front gears.
Thanks everyone...my bemoaning was more a surprise on where the conversation went. I learnt a ton - thank y'all