A google search of Jobst Brandt's curmudgeon type ideas present some very interesting concepts. Some of these are new to me.
Jobst Brandt feels that regular grade 25 ball bearings are good enough in a bicycle cup and cone bearing situation. Campagnolo's overpriced matched bearing marketing of the same grade of bearings he believes is overkill. He says this because he believes the ball bearing is not the weak link ... it's the cups and cones. Ceramic bearings would also be overkill. A quick search reveals that all the common sizes of grade 25 ball bearings used in bicycle work are available from Loose Screws for $22 in an assortment package. This includes a plastic divider box and 100 of each of the most common 5 sizes (500 bearings total). This appears to be about the cheapest price available anywhere for bicycle work.
Jobst also states that Marine grade bearing grease available at auto parts, Home Depot, Marine stores, and monster stores is about the best grease and the best value around. He believes that Phill Woods and other specialty greases are overpriced and offer no advantages. He is however against Lithium greases which resemble the old problematical Campy or French greases. These he says break down, and I guess everyone has noticed that old Campy grease did do exactly that.
Presented to all of those that are not familiar with J. Brandt and might benefit as I did from this information.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl. USA