It's not the whole solution, but if we can smooth out the torque delivery with a heavier flywheel it has to improve the gearbox life. Lightened flywheels are only good for high rpm engines with low gearing. We have the opposite. I don't even use first gear unless I want to creep up to something.
What are the possible downsides to a machined steel friction surface? A cast iron insert would be an expensive complication.

