Hi, oldkimmer!
Yep, you nailed it; the roller bearing alternative is pretty much what Wayne at Brewers offered for my consideration, after seeing pics of the nose end of my input (and hearing what the rebuilder said about his cursory inspect).
I expect delivery of the parts Monday (Christmas Eve!) and my buddy even offered to have me over to his lift (where the car sits, now) and,
"Let's get her put back together! (on Christmas Eve!)!"
I thanked him for the offer (he's already gone above and beyond in the friend department) but, I figured there IS such a thing as taking a good thing too far so, the wife has convinced us to opt for steak, shrimp and crabcakes at my place . . . now Christmas evening, after everyone's party'ed out is still open . . .