Bearing Packs

[Twentyover]

I realize I drifted away from performance cars for a few years, and perhaps I missed the memo, so I guess I'll ask the question that's been kind of puzzling me for a while.

I understand the attractiveness of bearing packs to automotive OEMs,they're easier to automate assembly (and improve consistency of assembly) and may speed production, but beyond improved manufacturability, what advantage does an upright with a bearing pack give over an upright with a spindle and separable hub/bearings? I do recognize there are applications where they may permit unique designs (I do like the Alston floater design using a bearing pack) Any functional improvement over a properly assembled conventional upright/spindle?

Or are people using them because they're the new deal?