Old bearing design upgraded to a bushing, vs. a failing bushing later upgraded to a bearing; I seem to be seeing contrary accounts:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=180161

I've never been inside a tranny, so I'll have to defer. But it seems to be agreed that there's nothing to be done pre-emtively, unfortunately. If mine makes it to 150k miles, I won't be too unhappy- that's 100k from now. Wishful thinking, but hoping that good maintenance and gentle usage may peen the bushing surfaces and make them last longer? (like the "glassy" surface of a worn-in cylinder bore?)

Thanks for the observation about the ELF oil, Jim! That's reassuring! I may chicken out and change it earlier, unless that dipstick looks REALLY clean.