Thanks Turbine D for your analysis, to me it makes sense.
You seem to know your way around a jet turbine
(guess your name stands for turbine designer, is 70 correct though or are you still active?).
The fact that RR did not have guide vane noses who could stop the IPT is interessting, saftey sacrificed on the efficiency altar?
Re bearings, FAG is one of the renowned bearing companies in the world together with SKF, Timken et al.