The noting technqiue of
Mahasi Sayadaw is just an introductory method and its not related to the path itself. For example, MN 62 & AN 10.60 describe a number of introductory reflections, investigations and noting ('perceptions') methods that are
prerequistes to the practise of Anapanasati & the path. These 'perceptions' aid the development of a repository of wisdom that is required for the negotiation of & cutting through obstacles & hindrances.
Imo, it is not accurate to infer the noting technique of
Mahasi Sayadaw 'hastens the development' of
concentration itself. Instead, it is more accurate to infer that the noting technique may help in supresssing distracting thoughts & hindrances by keeping the mind busy.
In MN 20, one method of overcoming distracting thoughts is to replace unskilful thoughts with more skilful thoughts. The
Mahasi Sayadaw nothing technique can serve a similar purpose.
For the actual development of concentration itself, the mind must be free from thinking & noting. MN 19 states about wholesome or skilful noting:
If I were to think & ponder in line with that even for a night... even for a day... even for a day & night, I do not envision any danger that would come from it, except that thinking & pondering a long time would tire the body. When the body is tired, the mind is disturbed; and a disturbed mind is far from concentration.' So I steadied my mind right within, settled, unified & concentrated it. Why is that? So that my mind would not be disturbed.
MN 19
A potential problem with the noting technique is it perpetuates the idea that "I am" noting & "I am" meditating. As long as these ideas of "I am" persist, the best kind of stream entry will not happen.
The best kind of stream-enterer is called a "noble disciple" and the non-noting method for this is described in the following sutta:
And what is the faculty of concentration? There is the case where a...noble disciple, making it his object to let go, attains concentration, attains singleness of mind. Quite withdrawn from sensuality, withdrawn from unskillful mental qualities, he enters & remains in the first jhana....
SN 48.10
In summary, the Mahasai Sayadaw nothing technique is similar to training wheels on a child's bicycle. When the training wheels have served their purpose, they are dispensed with and 'choiceless (void) awareness' is practised.