The chain might wear quicker (but if you're not grinding on it, it should last you several months anyway, unless you have it insanely tight), but the sprocket will be more durable due to it's smaller diameter.

The one-piece drivers are far better than cogged drivers in my opinion; they take about two seconds to install, are easy to maintain, and never come loose.

I've had 30-11, 28-10, and now 25-9, in addition to 45, 44, and 43-16 way back when. They all feel so similar, that it's barely noticeable once you get used to them.