If you ever wondered why the factory engineers went with such a pissy excuse for a bearing there.... You would have to see the resistance produced by a failed roller bearing. If that roller bearing locks up, you will not turn the steering wheel.
I'm not sure why you think the roller bearing might lock up. The unsealed bicycle type bearing that was in my column was getting crunchy and tighter as it was failing. The roller I installed is sealed on both sides to keep the grease in, lightly pressed into the plastic collar and is a slip fit on the shaft not pressed on. It also rotates at a slow speed. Just curious and not trying to start a fight, LOL.