It all still seems MUCH better than the original "spring and ball" setup. Mine was so bad that I have no idea how it didnt fall off the little nub that was left of the ball.
The "spring and ball" setup in the condition which you describe, was not greased at the recommended intervals.
The recommended interval is every 1,000 miles. If you are traveling mostly on pavement rather than dirt roads, you can stretch that interval substantially.
How many miles does one expect to get out of a Heim joint which has no provision for lubrication? Are they strong, articulate further, look cool? Yes, yes, and yes. Will they outlast the properly maintained old "spring and ball" ends? No, no, and no.
The correct answer to which to use depends on what you need, and for how long you want it to last.
