I currently use a 30t front ring, and use the 42t a bit too often so i think i will be dropping to a 28t for a while. I’m really not bothered about going fast on flat so high gears don’t interest me too much, gravity gives me all the speed i need.
Its lasting well so far though, i keep it in my mind while riding to keep the drivetrain as clean as possible so if its caked in mud i had for the nearest stream and ride through it, nothing worse than hearing that grinding noise.