I guess I've read that too.

"The seals commonly sold in the bicycle
business are not capable of sealing out water because they were never
designed for that purpose"

Perhaps that should read "designed". Seems that over the years they have proved relatively effective. With something like the Phil, it is supposed to be easy to change with just an Allen key (?) and nothing like a press or puller is required for the job. If that is truly all that is required, then it would have an edge given that carrying ball bearings wrenches grease, etc... isn't all that wonderful a fix.

My main concern is the durability of the axle. I plan on making an axle for the LX or DX out of ground hardened stock. Then it should be as durable as the phil or DT, and I will take my chances with the bearings. They do need fairly regular repacking if opperating in wet conditions.

As far as the actual bearing strength is concerned, it may be the loose bearings are stronger. You can get more of them jammed in there and they are larger than in the cartridge, but powdered bearings don't seem to be a real problem. I look more at axle strength, and ease of maintenance.