Shaft movement in Cutless Bearing

[Kyle Ewing]

Speaking of cutlass bearings, it was pointed out that my prop shaft spins extremely free compared to most other boats.  It was suggested that it be replaced even though there is no play at all in the shaft at the cutlass bearing. 

The bearing is only a couple of years old.  The stuffing box has gore (virtually) dripless packing and is tightened so the stuffing box is moist (a drop every several minutes).  Is the friction felt when spinning the prop from the cutlass bearing, stuffing box, or a combination?  I'm guessing the boats I compare it to use traditional flax.  When checking a cutlass bearing I was never worried about how easily the shaft spun, just the movement.  What do you think?