Well, I'm 75 riding in flat Northern Illinois - think 420' elevation change over 25 miles. I've been riding 45/42 with 14-16-18-20-23-26 for the past 2-2.5 years. That's down from 49/46 a few years ago (which I rode in hilly RI).
I've almost decided to change to 14-16-18-20-22-24-28, still with 45/42. That seems closer to half-step than 44-42. Reducing the chainwheel sizes was a great idea. Campy and Campy-copy 45s are available, but I can't see spending money changing the 44 to a 45.
I find the 45/42 - 14-26 eminently usable. I'm not a strong rider, but I never need the smallest gears except in the early days of each season if I've done no work on a trainer. I never need the biggest gears. As I said, I'm not a strong rider.
I'm considering the 7-speed, because I'd like SIS shifting.