I have used a torrington bear washer between the gear and bushing. They are .030 thick and I machine the bottom of the gear that amount.

You are absolutely correct about the wear ... they are "similar" metals so due to the laws of physics or metallurgy or whatever, wear is guaranteed. Not many folks realize this and I've seen loads of used bronze gears for sale at swap meets that would still be in the engines if they'd only done this simple mod.