"so theoretically, rather than trimetal bearings, i
could get the new damper and an accusump, spend less on the two than i
would the bearings, and have a more predictable/reliable high rpm range?"
Not sure you can say that. I "think" that optimal would be all 3 - damper upgrade, trimetal bearings, Accusump. In a sense, they have different roles but maybe same result (less spun bearings).. damper may reduce crank whip, trimetal bearings deal with crank whip better, accusump assures oil at bearings at all times (high RPM, high g load). Do not know which is preferable. I think if I were building a short block for power/high RPM, I would do the trimetal bearings, damper, Accusump, as well as billet rods, maybe more). But for those of us that are NOT doing an engine teardown & rebuild but want to improve Duratec survival odds at any RPM, the new damper seems cheap insurance. An extra 0.5 quarts oil in sump may help oil situation but Accusump is better.