True that, and very well explained I might add.
Now, if I were on their engineering team, I'd probably try a combination of magnetic and roller bearings. Use magnetic bearings to support the weight, while securing everything in place with radial bearings.
That way, the mechanical bearings don't have to support the weight, magnets can take care of most if not all of that, saving undue wear and tear on the mechanical bearings.
I dunno, just a thought.
Everything degrades over time, that's a given, nothing lasts forever. But if they relieve the weight from the mechanical bearings with magnets, then they might last quite a bit longer before needing service.