The problem with needles are they require a properly hardened sector shaft. The impact loading at the sector will brinell the surface, that is make small dents. This will allow the needles to break over time. The different sectors that have been made over time are probably why there are mixed results. Some have reported no problems and others had problems. My brothers car is fine since 1970 with the Argentine made repro sector that was probably made on the same line as the other sectors to be used with needle bearings.
The bushings offered by the parts houses are just wrong. The have too small an ID and can not be honed to round and still be the correct size. You really really want bushings align honed to the proper size!!!!!
Here is a link to my hints on the steering sectors.
Steering sector hints.