welcome to C&V shuttervox....
It's a good policy to replace the ball bearings when you repack - and you need to repack those hubs IMMEDIATELY. Don't ride it until you do.
- As long as you have them adjusted and lubed properly you will not have to worry about the "dreaded helicomatic issues" thereafter. For some reason the Helicomatic has a reputation that is orders of magnitude worse than what it deserves - and few people point out what a wonderfully smooth running hub it is when maintained properly. IMO, The only real downside is the outrageous price and availability of of replacement parts, if you need them.

Provided there is nothing wrong with a return spring (unlikely on a low mileage bike) the likely cause for a slack cable is a mis-adjustment.