I think you guys pretty much nailed it. It really depends on what you are doing with the saw. I have run cool blocks on my 14", and they are nice for some applications. The big plus to bearings is they do not wear as cool blocks will.
One interesting thing I always keep in mind when I am doing resawing is that your machine set up well and with the blade clean and sharp, will cut straight with no guides. One time I was resawing 11" Koa and I stopped to clean the blade, bearings and do a quick reset and check on everything. I wound up going to dinner before I started again, and when I got back I forgot to set my guides (they were well away from the blade). I just fired the saw up and sliced the rest of the billet. When I stopped the saw I looked and noticed what I had done, but luckily it had made 8 clean straight cuts. That made it clear to me that guides are a nice bit of insurance, but they are not driving the straight cut.
One upgrade that I do not think people put enough value on is cleaning and using a blade that holds a sharp edge, as well as has a proper set and can clear the material (keeping good vac. is huge in helping with this).
If I had my choice of upgrades, the first would be to get the best blade for my application that my saw could tension, and keep it clean.
The funny thing about a cast 14" saw is that you can hot rod that monkey like crazy, and pull off big tasks. However it will never hold a tune or deal with big tasks as well as a larger saw. My 14" has a riser, high rate spring, Carter bearing guides, and so on... and I love what it can do. I can tell you I check its setting before starting to cut, and at least 5 times as often as my larger saw. I also check how true it is cutting between each and every cut. On my larger saw I may randomly check, but it is very very consistent.
Peace,Rich
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These are great saws by the way. I was sold on them the first time I used them.