I don't see how they could replace the bottom bracket without extensively reworking the shell...like replacing it. I rode with guys who had the grease guard BB as well and none of them had a problem. Mine certainly hasn't developed any issues and I've never heard of that happening. Net searches generally report on the early 90s Merlins as being bomb proof and still in general usage. There was an extra light model that I think was damage prone, but they used thicker tubing...and as memory serves, that one was VERY early on (like mid-80s). I think most of the negative things said and heard about ti are based on very early ti parts and frames.