"Lock it down on 24bit/44.1khz and forgetaboutit..."
I wouldn't say that. While the advantages aren't huge or obvious always, I think for someone that really wants to produce the best that he can and has the room and power, why not? In the end I think you may end up with a better product.... I don't know, I run at 24/48, mainly cause my system seems to get finicky above that.
That being said, most people would do more good focusing on developing their skills and rooms, and so forth.