the bearing will be loaded laterally, for which it was not designed, theoretically shortening the drive's life

Theoretically....

But given that the huge majority of drive failures are caused by head crashes or failures of the electronics, it isn't anything I'd worry about.

I don't think I've ever heard of a drive failure caused by worn out spindle bearings.

tanstaafl.
_________________________
"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"