The bearing has exceptionally close tolerences already. The bearing heater causes the two parts to come into even closer contact buffered by the hot oil.

Have a look here: http://www.brinkmann-usa.com/lagrangeturntable.php

Its not an uncommon approach in very high tech bearings used in industry to get better tolerences.

Bub - I am sure you dont. Ignorance is bliss. However in this case as you are taking the deck on sale or return I assume you wont be able to avoid knowing what it sounds like. At that point all your previous remarks will likely go right out the window. Bear that in mind. There are no gimmicks on the BLG. Just solid and accepted engineering practice even the heated bearing.