Talbot Frameworks custom road frame

Have decided (after painful experience doing Ditchling Devil on my current gearing) that at the age of 40, it's time to give in and get a compact crankset.

Which means saying goodbye to my nice 8 speed dura ace and going for something more modern. Up to now I've only ever used Shimano and I'd have been inclined to again, however I find modern Ultegra just too ugly and can't afford Dura Ace. So I'm 95% decided on going for silver Athena. I'm going to keep the silver theme and also go for silver seatpost & stem (probably Thomson) & headset. Now trying to decide on wheels.

Why not go for non compact crankset but a bigger range cassette like 12-30 or 11-28?