The modern *** assembly I don't think was the same 30 years ago. The modern version has the races machined right into the spindle. Be interesting to see how they load the ball bearings into that, there must be a lateral trough somewhere.
Some grease lasts longer than others, but 30 years is a long time. Outside the planned chemical stability I would think.

I have two crunchy Phil bottom brackets I received with bikes I bought, one day I will send them in for new bearings.