to echo earlier statements, but with better rhyming:

It's a tool, not a jewel.


Yes, the 404's will help in crits (better acceleration, nice for pulls/breaks), unless: you're forced to run tires that dont corner confidently compared to the rubber on the race X lites, which can be as wide as you like.
I've had bad experience with thin tubulars through hard, sandy corners. I'm more confident on my 23mm clinchers.

-L