Bill,
Quick answer, and only from my perspective. I imagine there will be those who will agree or disagree with me.
Last year, I overhauled the steering column on my 1250 Nightmare. It didn't steer too bad with worn out bearings, no grease, a worn worm follower and no thrust bearing.
After replacing all steering column bearings and races, filing smooth the ridges on the column worm, replacing the tie rod ends on the drag link only; and adding the thrust bearing. I didn't notice too much difference.
This past spring, I re-checked the follower adjustment on the steering box, greased the machine, and replaced the front tires and tie rod ends on the tie rod. It is my belief that the new tires, tie rod ends and grease made the difference in steering.
I would be interested in your experience.