Considering the narrower chain/sprockets/chainrings and corresponding increased wear rate, I'd want to have someone else paying for the replacement parts, and a team mechanic to install them.
Sprockets and chainrings are not any narrower, just the overall width of the chain. And I've never experienced increased chain wear on any system upgrade from five speed right through to ten.
I suppose that could be true with respect to 10 and 11 speed if the width reduction is achieved by making the side plates thinner and keeping the rollers the same width. In that case, the chain will be more vulnerable to damage, unless the materials are made stronger. In my opinion, for practicality, longevity, robustness and value for money, most non-competitive cyclists are best off with 8 speed.
How so I run a 50/38/28 12-23 10sp ok the cassette isn't cheap but not overly expensive I get upward of 7-8000 miles from it so upto a years riding, I can also fit a 12-27 but prefer the 12-23, the 28th inner isn't used much round here but there are one or two hills it helps with should I go that way on. I have a range from 32-110" with almost any conceivable gear in between, something I never could do on an 8sp setup.
I suppose it is personal preference really, and my preference is for maximum life and robustness. Also, as I've ridden single speed and fixed for years, I'm maybe less bothered by the size of the gap between gears than some people, I merely adjust my speed and effort to suit whatever the terrain throws at me.
I am aware of the differences, its how I know 8 and 9 sp sprockets are pretty interchangeable, I look to get something like 3,000 miles from my chains (all weather) and the last cassette I changed had no appreciable wear after about 3,000 miles (10sp).
I run a triple 50/38/28 12-23 guess thats none to elegant
Said that about 6-7-8-9 and 10sp
