Compact vs standard chainring

I'm just about to build my new Maverick Ml-7. It comes with an E-type front derailleur Part # FD-952. It appears as if I'd need a standard chainring for this derailleur. There are instructions for modifications for a compact chainring. The reviews I read about the maverick the only drawback I read about is trouble shifting in the front sometimes. Does anyone know about this? Which chainrings are preferable? If there is a clear benefit to compact I can try the modifications and make it work somehow. Any advice would be greatly appreciated this decision has been driving me nuts as I'm a newbie and want this bike to work well.