gleaf,
The blower failures on Connie's
et al were in engines up to the 'D' series. The 'E' had beefed up main and blower bearings, but the operation at low blower solved the problem; it was the gear change which caused most of the drama.
However, I assume you're not confusing blower failures with PRT failures [the latter on the 'E' engine being solved by opening up the PRT hood exhaust.]
G'day
