No clue on rapid rise or the new STI's. My drivetrain is '02 XTR, except the crankset which is '03.
So far it's held up very well. I have ~110 miles on it so far, and the only sign of it is some light rubbing from my shoes. Obviously it's going to get worse quick, but it adds character
One problem was the chainline on my bike was right-of-center. The included spacers pushed everything out too far. (There are 3 spacers included with the crankset. 2 go on the drive-side, 1 on the non-drive.) I had to reverse the spacers and put 2 on the non-drive side and 1 one the drive-side to get an even chainline. As it sits now, the entire crankset is a couple mm's off center on the bike, but I don't notice it. I guess it's the price you pay for the integrated unit...the benefits being the lighter weight and wider spaced bearings.