The cheapest Tufo tubulars are S22's which can be found for $25-30 and are good training tires at 260g. I generally get 2000 to 2500 miles on the rear and double on the front. They are less puncture prone than the clinchers I've tried. But since they can't be repaired, a serious puncture is more expensive than patching a clincher tube. Now I train on clinchers (getting 2-3 puntures a week here in Tucson) and race on Tufo S3 tubulars (which I can often find on eBay for $25) which are generally lighter than clinchers. Glory Cycles often has great prices on Tufo tubulars and Tufo clinchers (tubulars with the ridge for a clincher rim); neither can be repaired.
I've been using tubulars since the early 70's and only just started using clinchers this year since they came on some bikes I purchased. Never had a problem with tubulars, so I can't see why they would be classified as too dangerous. As with any tires, they must be properly mounted and have adequate pressure.
The sealant works for small punctures if you don't pump the tires past about 115 psi. The S22's only have a max of 130 and the sealant can be forced out the puncture at 130. Other Tufo's that can take 220 psi wouldn't benefit from the sealant if you want decent pressure for racing.
Also, if you go with the Tufo tape, you can't just slap on another tire after a flat and ride away, you also have to lay on another strip of tape (which usually takes the most time, since it usually gets squished while riding and is then difficult to unroll).
I have found Tufo tires to last longer than other tubulars, are generally cheaper to boot, and are extremely round due to their constuction (no sewing, just seamless like a thick tube with tread).
