I have purchased TCS shocks, front and rear, for my yamaha raptor. They are being built right now. I have heard that aftermarket shocks are 5 to 10 times better than stock. I am trying to get a perspective of 5-10 times better in terms of jumping distance or increased speed over whoops, etc........... I am going to begin motocross and have 4-5 cross-crountry races under my belt.....

2002 raptor, FMF pipe, K&N filter (ported airbox), Hinson clutch basket & aftermarket clutch plates, GBC shredders, steering stablizer, TCS shocks, wheel extensions, AC nerf bars, skids, kick plates, numerous stickers...........

 

5-10 times better all around for everything. You should not be disappointed.

 

I've never heard that claim, but I run TCS's on my Raptor and on the Warrior before that. If you have them built for what you do and what you weigh, also for your skill level, then you'll think you have a brand new bike! You will need to dial in the compression & rebound to suit you and I'd suggest doing it first on the fronts before touching the rear so you don't get really confused.
I just re-read your post about your starting MX. If you get the suspension dialed in for XC, you'll no doubt want to make some changes for MX. For example, in XC most riders tend to run rather stiff rebound (I run 10 clicks on the rear),but for MX it may be advisable to alter this to a faster rebound in order to regain full compression in riding whoops or rhythm sections.