Not particularly.

The thing to note is that for MOST average users, they last a little longer since the ceramic balls don't rust.

Yes, what we use are ceramic-hybrid with a steel cage, but minor surface rust that would usually destroy an all steel a ceramic hybrid does a little better.

As to why not use them in the front...1) no real performance benefit (2) dirt intrustion... a steel ball will 'eat' some amount of dirt coming past the seal without issue over it's service life. Ceramic balls DO NOT tolerate any dirt.