I haven't even bought the pedals I asked about around 2 months ago because I haven't found a deal on them yet. In short, I feel the smart thing to do when buying is ask early then shop around.
Your shopping disorder is getting in the way of your cycling. If you have 5 grand or whatever to spend on bikes over the next few months forget this obsession on getting speedplay track specials for cheap and aero wheels for cheap and a helmet for cheap. etc. Accept that you're not always going to find an out of this world deal and get the stuff that is going to make a big difference in your racing now NOW. Sure you'll spend and extra $30 on a helmet and maybe you'll end up with mtb pedals that you will want to move over to your commuter next year if you find a deal on speedplays(good luck). Maybe the extra $150 you "waste" is going to prevent you from shopping for aero wheels right now. So be it, you'll realize that adequate is a lot better than waiting around forever for perfect.