my current ride/s means that i can get away with riding on the middle ring (36 T);i can get between 5-30 mph out of it. so i am thinking of ditching the granny and the outer, the front mech and shifter.

i also prefer the cadence it gives, i seem to be able to get through most stuff with the gryoscopic action of a higher rate. i found this trick out on a 25 k downhill technical section in NZ, with severe drops!

i do need the low gear as i have a 5 minute hill that needs climbing! so no single speed options

so any thoughts, do i need a chain guide or au naturel?

There's been loads of stuff on this lately, but I'd say go with a chain device, even if it's just one of the top guide types like MRP/Pauls/E-13 all make.

Definitely run a chainguide.

Yeah a good chain guide is definitely recommended, dropped chains are very annoying. Superstar do a cheap one that looks great.