... I really feel that the two bearing set up is a better way to keep rigidity and stop the Switch axle from developing a rocking movement from the side loads ...
meh, I dunno. Tough call. I was slightly surprised too with the bushing, however the original bushing lasted 2x as long as the drive-side bearing ... and I it didn't necessarily *need* replacement just recently, I just did it pre-emptively. I do run it with the quad o-ring in place, and I use a light coat of grease on the ring to help seal up that side from crap ingress since I live and ride in a moist climate.
I had added a custom-cut ring layer outside the DS bearing when I replaced it winter '12-'13. It seemed to help because the original DS bearing was shot after six months of riding but the replacement I put in a year ago was in better shape. Not great, and worth pre-season replacement, but still much better than the original.
I really can't fix my opinion whether bushings vs bearings is better in that application. With the very very low amount of rotation I'm inclined slightly towards bushings though, but it'd be nice to have a lazy-man's way of cleaning/lubing them vs removal of the Switch assembly (ala the Turner grease ports).
In either case I wouldn't think it'd be bad to have *wider* joints, I just don't know that it'd be a *meaningful* improvement. Maybe roller bearings instead of ball bearings would be a clear win? Considering the low rotation amount it could also possibly tolerate a more aggressively sealed bearing set without impacting rotational freedom.
Whatever, I don't have the resources or true inclination to test that theory.
*shrug*