What are the culinary differences between Chinese Mitten Crabs and Blue Crabs?
As a Chinese, who have had many mitten crabs in my life, I think I can provide 2 insights:


In Chinese culinary culture, it's not only meat that's the most appreciated, but rather the  taste, texture and the freshness especially with seafood.
Mitten crabs during the autumn season contains a lot of eggs under the shell. The flavour of the eggs are what's appreciated as well.


Mitten crabs (not sure in the US) are safe to be consumed from food safety perspective as long as it's being cooked properly like any other seafood.