One doesn't even need to spend $400 to get a good post anymore. I recently purchased the One Up V3 post for $270...and the V3 is one of the best performing posts out right now IMO. I'm not too worried about longevity...the post is easily rebuild-able, although I don't plan on having to do that anytime soon. Until recently, I had a bike with a 6 year old post that was still working flawlessly. I sold the bike, but it's still going strong for the new owner.

Comparing it to a Hite-Rite, what's the travel on one of them? 4.5 to 5.5"...or about 115mm to 140mm? Even my FS XC bike runs an 180mm post. I upsized the post on my longer travel all-mountain bike to a 210mm post. Both trails and race courses have gotten more technical/difficult, so the greater travel seatposts are a benefit.