Originally Posted by positron

those bearing retainers only help hold the bearings during installation.

in a cup and cone BB, the bearings are actually held in place by the bearing races (think about it for a second, it has to be this way to work...)

back in the 'good ol days', we would pull the bearing "cages" out, and toss in slightly larger ball bearings for increased durability.

In all likelihood, your bearing cages were screwed up for a long time before your falls. Those things always failed eventually.