Great posts by Mofimadness. Agree with them all, especially the last.
In addition, advanced stylus shapes are more sensitive to record groove and stylus cleanliness (or the lack thereof). Not that these styli are noisier; in fact, they tend to be quieter.
However, as that linked article explained, the whole point of shorter contact radii is their ability to trace shorter-wavelength groove modulations and thus reproduce HF's and low level details that coarser styli skim right over. This ability is easily masked by any intervening schmutz or fluff. I've "repaired" any number of high end cartridges that sounded dull and worn out simply by cleaning their styli properly. The farther up the stylus profile ladder you climb, the more critical record and stylus hygiene become.
In addition, advanced stylus shapes are more sensitive to record groove and stylus cleanliness (or the lack thereof). Not that these styli are noisier; in fact, they tend to be quieter.
However, as that linked article explained, the whole point of shorter contact radii is their ability to trace shorter-wavelength groove modulations and thus reproduce HF's and low level details that coarser styli skim right over. This ability is easily masked by any intervening schmutz or fluff. I've "repaired" any number of high end cartridges that sounded dull and worn out simply by cleaning their styli properly. The farther up the stylus profile ladder you climb, the more critical record and stylus hygiene become.