Back in the Nes days, there was a problem with lag in controllers but I've gotten wireless console controllers like the Wavebird for my Gamecube and a Logitech pad for my PS2 and I've never noticed any sort of lag.  Same thing with my wired PS3/360 controllers (I have two seperate brands for each console).  Lag was never an issue for the default controllers and I notice absolutely no improved performance with the wired controllers.  In fact, the wired controllers have always been lower quality than the standard 360/PS3 controller because they feel more flimsy (or is it flimsier?  There is an increase in flimsy-osity!).

I have Turtle Beach wireless headphones that connect to my 360 controller for voice chat.  So when using a wired controller I basically have a connection from my head to controller, to 360 and for some reason it builds up a lot of static electricity.  It actually fried my Modern Warfare controller, which now only works intermittently.

So I only use wireless controllers when I play multiplayer so I can turn up the volume without waking the boy/wife or worrying about static build up.

I would guess if you have tiled or hardwood floors in your gaming area, this would not be a problem.  Sadly I have carpet, and two big flea-bags always laying around my feet when I game.

Ok so my scenario won't be exactly like yours. I have a pair of wired Trittons and HW floors where I game. I have 3 flea bags and in the winter the hair is the biggest pain in the ass cause of the static.

cant see the point in buying a new controller, i still havent upgraded to the dualshock3 so i doubt id buy a new 360 controller just because of changed d-pad. imo the 360 d-pad debate is overblown it works just fine.