Been running XT mechs for the last dozen or so years. Initially with what you refer to as "traditional" in both hi-lo and lo-hi (rapid rise) flavours and shadow since they were released. Can't tell any difference in shifting, I think shift quality comes from the gear selector (shifter, clue in the name perhaps) and cables (quality and newness). FYI only ever broke one mech and that was a "traditional".
