YMMV ETC in this case means "I've only been to more than a hundred HPDE's, and have only been an instructor for 7? years now, so I clearly have no idea what I'm talking about."
The question isn't "are those tires faster" because of course they are. But believe it or not, 'faster' is not the goal in HPDE1.
Anyway, do what ya want. I just think you'll learn more, and have more fun, NOT on those tires you mentioned.
I'll shut up now,
Jon