Shifter and Rear mech have to match.

My wife tells me to hold my tongue and let it slide off my back. But sometimes people just come off as such snobs that I can't stand it. There are some people here who haven't been very kind to people using doubles, while I am still using a triple! Why? Because my bike is old but still works, and there is nothing wrong with my Ultegra components that makes me want to spend money that I really don't have to get a new crank and derailleurs just to avoid being ostracized by snobby people. Want to make fun of me because I ride a triple? Go ahead. The problem is yours, not mine. I really don't care. Really. Now I'm sorry that this really doesn't have a lot to do with this thread, but neither did a lot of the "Why are you still using a double?" remarks. Please try to remember that not everyone is compelled to change components just for the sake of change (or to save what essentially amounts to a minimal amount of time in a race). Nor does everyone have the money to be doing so when what they have still works. Cheers.

12 speed. That's ridiculous. I have an idea that will blow 12 speed out of the water. 13 speed!!!

Not a direct reply to you, just want to add my last build. Waiting on a few pieces and better pics to come later.

1x specs:

50t absolute black chainrings
E tap rear derailleur
Wolf tooth road link
11-36 cassette (likely overkill but wanted to feel it out before committing to a smaller cassette)

Notes: waiting on the blip grips and need to get hockey/racket tape for the basebar

Isn't Etap RD made only to accept a maximum of 28 in the cassette? Does your setup really work?