[KTL]

You're wrong because you're taking the top and bottom terms too literally. And don't equate this 3.2 engine service with what a magnesium case would need. Splitting this case doesn't prompt the necessity for all sorts of other activities like align boring the mains, decking the cylinder spigots, cutting the parting line and boring back to standard, shuffle pins, etc. etc. blah blah blah typical machining needs of a magnesium case. Those mag cases are dimensionally challenged/unstable due to the material aging properties of magnesium. Once you unbolt them, you're pretty much guaranteed you have to machine them to get everything lined up again. Whereas with the later aluminum cases like the 3.2 case, they maintain their shape upon disassembly and can reliably be bolted back together with no machining required whatsoever.

Splitting the case here doesn't instantly trigger a true "bottom end" if he just wants to inspect the bearings, install new oil pump seals (originals are orange or brown silicone and are brittle by now) and re-seal the case parting line. A true bottom end job, regardless of what case type we're talking about, is when you've got pistons & cylinders out of spec, rods needing re-sizing, crank needs work, bearings replaced, etc. He's doing the right thing eliminating the lower dilivar studs as well.

Nothing wrong with reusing the bearings if they look good. If they still look good with no scratches or swipes on them? Then they're going to measure good. Just button it back up and keep on driving. Some argue that splitting the case and rods compromises the designed bearing "crush" that occurs when the parts joined at the split lines. But many have reused bearings for years and years with no ill effects.