The truth is that the issue of unexpected shutdowns has completely resolved in iOS 7.1. To me at least (also on iPad 4) is not closed me nothing, while in 7.0 it does many apps were closing unexpectedly.
As for the battery ... Well, for me it was the opposite. With iOS 7.0 I lasted like in iOS 6 and now with 7.1 I'd say a little less hard, but neither is somewhat alarming. (I still having it to load every 3-4 days, to give you an idea, although a lot depends on how you use each, of course). Yes I am more concerned on the iPhone, it's with you always on top and stay hanging battery in the street is a hassle, but with the iPad, with no charge provided do less intensive use, the truth is that the passage of one version to another is not going to cause you any problems except get used to all that has changed, that is something.