Would anyone agree that the base problem is the very design using that bushing?

Back in the day, when these cars were still daily drivers, it was common for the cars to chase every crack in the road. Especially A bodies. The lowers were often worn out by 80,000 miles. I have seen them worn so bad by 100k, that they had worn through the outer shell. B and E bodies were only slightly better. I have never torn down a front end that didn't need the lower replaced. And I mean even back in the 70s and on cars with less than 100k let alone in subsequent decades.

It is a poor design at least in terms of longevity in my humble opinion. It seems obvious that either material can be used successfully but the newer materials have some learning curve to them. Heck, even removing the shells when going back with rubber ones takes some experience or at least some advice. Just a poor design.