I actually don't change my rod at all.

I used to buy not anymore. It's good for through baits like a shadrap. I haven't had to use a shadrap in a long time.

It doesn't matter how many but the quality of bearings is the biggest factor!

I can't remember the number exactly. The biggest reason for me was to let the rod load a little better and so my line to braid knot flowed a little better.

Ricky's short answer was no as long as you don't over use it and let the chemical seep inside the reel excessively. 

Bait finesse system! Ricky did give a pretty in-depth explanation about it. It's basically bait casters with complex bearing and brake technology so you can cast light lures.