And equally you being new around here you don't know me or my experience. I have been cleaning and repairing reels for quite some time myself. My practices and opinions differ from yours, this does not make either of us right. The man asked a question and I provided an answer to how I would proceed. You did the same, and I am sure that at least a couple of others will offer there opinions once they see this thread.
I do fail to understand why you would not bother to clean a bearing when you have the reel completely disassembled. There are much better lubricants available than the factory uses.
Your example of corrosion X may apply.