well there is only so much adjustment in the hub for all of the various sprocket combinations.
If you did compromise on the chain length (ie going for something that will cover a number of sprocket changes) then it will be at the cost of the wheel base length and therefore bike stability.
Guess you have to decide whats important to you, but personally I would want my bike to handle as best as possible ALL of the time, irrespective of the sprocket combination I was running.
Alans No is 01453 845 544
[Edited on 5-3-2005 by Harv748]