Direct quote from PW site - "We specify the race tolerance, surface honing, ball diameter tolerance, bearing material, gap dimensions, seal specifications - to provide the most reliable high performance bearing possible "
Yea...I dug through the site a bit and there is so many applications. I think the specifics would be different for every application. The thirst for more information can drive one mad.
I guess in my mind I figured they have covered every angle on what would make the best bearing for the application (BB for my Yo). That's not to say they have the market cornered, but each bearing is going to be high end and deliver a high level of performance. For example when I got a Shimano BB for my Monster I opened up multiple boxes and spun them until I found the one that was the smoothest. There was quite a bit of difference with many noticibly tighter. If it only lasts a year or two I'll only be out $25. If I got a good one it might go a lot longer. Point is there is a lot of variation in the product - ie the range of acceptable tolorances is much wider. This, inaddition to less expensive materials keeps the cost down.
Phil's not the only game it town either. For example I like the White Industry square taper BB (threaded) which is of comparable quality, IMO. Perhaps the Monster will get one some day.