1x with these new expanded cassettes is good when set up right with the main downside of reduced durability. Permanently banishing chainsuck, the faff of keeping front and rear shifting running sweet and almost non-existent chain drop suits me and I won’t be going back!
If I was selling 1x only bikes, I wouldn’t spec anything less than 11-42 with a choice of 30-32-34t up front dependant on wheel size, as you have to cater for a wider audience.
I know some manage 1x on standard cassettes but I found climbs easier with a 42 even over a 40. IMO You have to be pretty fit or the climbs relatively mild to push a 32-36 or 32-34 all day long on steep hills without going for a small ring up front.
Just to be clear I’m not against drivetrain choices. There are definitely applications that will demand at least a 2x set up.
Can we get steel NW rings yet that will wear at a similar rate to steel cassettes, the chain then being the weakest link 😆