I wouldn't be so sure the axle is straight. I just overhauled my '01 Deore today and noticed the same thing though not as extreme as you indicate. The axle appeared straight, but holding it up to a straight edge in about 10 different positions revealed the axle was indeed bent be it ever so slightly. It was really noticeable when I tried to reuse my old QR and had trouble getting it in the new axle.