Yup, hardened shafts are the thing for HP use or needle bearings. HS used to make bushed rockers, and I would think still can. I've run HS needle & bushed style on various engines, and never had a problem. A couple were hot street BBs (1 bushed, 1 needle), one a 368" LA drag motor that saw 7500-8000 RPM (needle).
Years ago at a PRI show, I picked up a Chinese needle roller rocker, and worked the pivots. Felt like they'd put sand in the bearings... Not a good place to save money, IMO.
