Hi Alan,
If you look at the pictures of the original fittings they are "knocked off" from the factory. Every example I have documented had this same characteristic of having the tip removed. I bought and collected as many E & B Body suspension components as I could find to make SURE the pieces we used were authentic in design. I think they knocked the tip off after they injected them with grease. It could have been to ensure a quicker demise or breakdown of the part. (Possibly a built in obsolescence factor!?! Future repairs and business for the service department?) If you are familiar with Ford (factory) suspension parts like tie rods, they didn't even machine them for zerk fittings or plugs! When they wore out, they were finished. A completely sealed unit might have kept out dirt and moisture to a greater degree however.