I think the oil sling coming off of the lower gears keeps the long output sufficiently lubricated as reliability does not seem to be an issue(based on nobody having a bearing failure with a long output) for the type of driving I do. To me as to many other people, it all boils down to price.. Sure id like to have the marlin shaft for all reasons stated, but its the difference between buying a cavalier vs a cadillac to me. They will both get me where I wanna go in the end.
