Definitely add more grease to the bearings.
Often these lower end hubs have what basically amounts to a wax spray-on type lube and not much of it.
Bearings are usually too tight also.
Get a tub of cheap, automotive/boat trailer etc. wheel bearing grease.
I use synthetic, but even the cheapest stuff and periodic replenishment will make your hubs last much longer.

A 24 spoke hub can actually be desirable for someone that can justify it. Their weight, riding conditions etc.
Decent 24 spoke hubs aren't found in Shimano's lower tier groups.
Your low end hub wouldn't be worth using for a serious cyclist however. It's kind of like restoring a YUGO.

As a side note-
Some years ago I had an acquaintance that bought about 1 new bike/yr. from Target. Kind of a buy to rent scenario.
When the replacement wheel bit the dust, he bought the next new bike.
Bikes would BREAK the bearing race on the DS.
Had he simply serviced the bearings, something else would have broke first.