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I was a big believer in the 24" kick for a long time. I like the sound of a thick 2-ply batter, but the 24" didn't sound tight/defined enough with thin single ply heads. Works great with non-bassy metal guitar amongst many other things. Compared to the other choices, the 24 seems the easiest to bury in a mix.
On a whim (and to get a kit that fit entirely in my car), I picked up a kit with a 20" kick. Can't believe I didn't get one sooner. With head selection and tuning, these things can put out as much low end as a 24", and are tighter and more controlled at the same time. It also seems to go through the guitars, rather than under them. I feel it works with everything rock. It is also a country favorite. It would probably work with any style, as long as you aren't trying to steal the sound and feel of a different drum size. (it won't do bonham or ringo)
22 inch kicks are not my favorite, but it may have something to do with every entry level kit coming with them, and with entry level drummers comes entry level tuning and entry level sound. The ones I've had the opportunity to tech ended up sounding fine. Cuts better than a 24, but more boomy than a 20.
I would like to suggest that shell depth is just as important, if not more so, than diameter. At least, it matters if you play with 2 heads on. A 14" deep drum is quick, while an 18" deep one needs to be layed into but rewards with a huge tone. If you ever get a chance, compare a well tuned 14x24 (or 14x26) to a 18x20. In general (and definitely imho), that is as extreme as it gets.
Having both a 20" and a 22 or 24" kick available is actually not a bad idea, if you have the money and space.
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