The spray-oil and Babbit bearing system was actually a pretty good one, but the problem was that maintaining it properly was too labor-intensive. It was a lot simpler to go to precision insert bearings that could be swapped out by any semi-skilled wrench jockey in a short time, instead of needing a highly skilled real mechanic who could adjust the bearing clearance with shims periodically. Given the trend toward throwaway vehicles designed to barely survive the warranty period instead of being maintained for 10-15 years made sense to the corporate bean counters. It's amazing that the vehicles we tinker with these days have survived at all for 5 times or more of their projected lifespan.
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!