Originally Posted by Doge

In my job job I've designed things I thought would be easy for users that users found not so easy. Of course an investment in more user training, or new designs can be a solution, but generally the more economical one is to remove the feature and simplify.

I believe a triple can be made to work very smoothly. I do not believe it can be as smooth as the best doubles with orientation, one shift direction (small ring chain always goes right), ramps and money that went into making them so good. The Dura-Ace rings have about 15 parts in them and a lot of R&D. But in the end, if a market does not have the skill to adjust derailleurs like @jamesdak , the market may choose the simpler option, over investing in a new skill. That and it is lighter and stiffer, and reduced Q factor (I don't care, but some do) not to have a triple.