WANTED: Cam Chain Tensioner Rod

I'm just trying to figure out these tensioners a bit. Everybody knows that they fail, but not too many people are clear WHY. Checking mine over, the rod was the only part that appeared to have any wear in it at all, and I'm curious as to how to prevent it, if possible.

I'm not going to say I'm an expert at metallurgy, or even mechanical theory. I just think it'd be nice to find a way to easily repair what's already there, and preserve the option for people looking to keep their 1300 as stock as possible without grenading the motor. (It's a fun thought exercise, at least)

i'm under the impression that the grooves in the shaft tell you that it is locking in place, if shaft was of a harder material would it not lock with the ball bearings ???? or would it rely on the pressure of the balls against the shaft ??, wonder how much outward force there would be on that shaft ?, must be a bit if it grooves the thing. That's why I changed to the ratchet one, at least when it moves out I know it ain't going back

Part sent in mail early this week, enjoy