No, you do not have to get up to 30W to have good vape with 26 gauge.
I never vape above 20 watts ( usually it is 14-18) and for me 26 gauge do not take too much time to heat... unless I will make coil that is longer than 8 wraps.
How long time coil needs to heat up depend on mass of coil not just gauge of wire. Personally I prefer 26 gauge ... it is less flimsy and easier to wick. If you make coil with 26 gauge SS 2.5mm ID wire with 6 wraps Steam Engine recommends
vaping at 17w... and if you use Kanthal 26 gauge 2.5mm ID, 6 wraps Steam Engine recommends 18w.