Alps vs jet vs HED-3

The HED 3's might save you 15-30 seconds tops over 20 miles over the Alps, even less savings against the deeper Jets.  And that's probably a bit optimistic. 

How long you ride in the aero position probably has a bigger impact on your time.

I have absolutely no proof of the above whatsoever.  But, I gather it from what I've read where aero wheels (vs. standard road wheels) saves Iron-distance guys supposedly only a few minutes over 120 miles.  

This is coming from an HED 3 owner.  I know it doesn't really save me much time over my old wheels, but they sure look cool, and make that cool helicopter whooshing sound (bonus!).

The other points are valid, and even the one above it true.  However, I hate seeing it every time a wheel thread comes up.

The two time-saving techniques are completely independent of each other.  My wheels neither cause nor impede my ability to stay aero.  My position neither causes nor impedes the aerodynamics of my wheels.  With faster wheels I can save 20 seconds above and beyond whatever time I would otherwise acheive.

Now, is that much money for that little time worth it to each individual?  Possibly not.   The less aero you ride (and by proxy, the less you are striving to eek out every second of time savings), the less likely it seems that a person will be worried about saving those precious few 'wheel seconds'.  But this doesn't mean that, by riding less aero, they won't see the benefit from the wheels.