GMLC-
I have a 1990 JD garden tractor that has been used regularly from the start, and it does not have greasable spindles on the mower deck on it. It is still solid and strong, and cuts awesome still (not to mention stripes great too
). If made well, I would have no worries about that.
I have to say, I hope that deck chute proves my fears unfounded, because a new Gravely may very well be the next machine I buy down the road if so.