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Cost was/is not a consideration.
I was thinking this "new" technology should be given a chance. The plastic bushings are supposed to be designed for no lubrication and operation in dirty environments as replacements for cast bronze.
The goal is long term durability with no negative issues e.g. friction or clutch chatter.
I don't think the net result will be a solid recommendation to use the plastic bushings, at least not any time soon. Better engineering and testing would be needed. If after say 5 years I need to pull the engine out again, I will know more at that point because the wear can be inspected.
Likely the safest thing is to get the shaft hard chromed and use sealing to keep the clutch debris out of the bearing surface areas and at the same time use the cast bronze bushings available because they look to be the correct dimensions. If one can get some sort of sealing setup then high temp. grease should be able to be used without attracting debris.
While the "replacement or upgraded" shaft and bushing had wear... the needed function was still working, therefore one might say the off the shelf available kit is not that bad.
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