So, if I'm still running 2.4.3 am I completely wasting my time?
You're not wasting your time if your 2.4.3 is on the right chain.
We compiled 2.4.4 to help with the fork issue we experienced last weekend; it's not a mandatory update.
Fortunately, I'm on the correct chain according to the blockheight. I think I'll sit tight until all of the 3.0 bugs are worked out.