Gear sprocket changes to improve acceleration

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The internet is telling me that a smaller front sprocket will wear out the chain faster. Realistically, trying to hit 60 in 3 seconds is going to wear out the chain faster. For normal non-hooliganized riding, will the chain wear difference be significant? Would it be better to just put on a bigger rear?
Found the 17 tooth JT front sprocket for a 530 chain:

http://www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-JTF33...B000GTZ168
41T rear: http://www.amazon.com/JT-Sprockets-JTR30...=jtr302.41