I would think it is cheaper also to build them that way, less parts, less parts to wear out, and less maintenance. As far as the access, I think they only get maintenance once per year. As far as the ship example, there is no right angle gearing, just a straight shaft, same as the wind generators.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra