[Joe K]

So, if bronze bushes were used in place of needle bearings in the transmission they would wear quicker than bearings?

Otherwise known as a "sleeve bearing." Instead of rolling lubrication you have lubrication/lubrication. Known in engineering as "boundary lubrication" where the action is part sliding (and consequent wear) and part slip (buoyed on a lubricant film.)

So yes. The reference cites EXTREME duty bearings. One's mind goes to the difference between the original railroad wheel "journal" bearings and their later replacement with Timken Roller Bearings, which lasted longer, required less attention, and failure resulted in less heat/i.e. "hot-boxes," which would frequently light the railroad ties on fire.

I have to remind myself mentally that "journal" is the moving part (journey) and "bearing" is the stationary part (bears the load.)

Journal-Bearing is the complete relative motion unit.

Joe K