Re:
OK, from the blurb on various MTB suspension websites they say the plastic/polymer bushes are longer lasting, don't think they need lubed.
I've not found them to be any more hard-wearing than the DU steel ones which have an anti-friction coating on inside surface. Mind you I used them with the aluminium spacers/reducers that came on bike, they say for best results use steel (stainless) spacers/reducers. I think I've now got one of the heavy duty steel/polymer kits on the Fox shock on my Super V. Not used it much since though, using my F800 mostly just now.
Think the biggest problem with most bike rear shock bushes is they get wet/muddy and this gets into bushes, destroying them. I made up a small guard from a cut down Crudguard similar to what was fitted to Specialized FSRs, fitted it to swing arm to keep crap from rear wheel off the shock, also protects the shock shaft and seals from gritty muck which keeps it from getting inside shock.
At least on the Marins the seat-tube does a good job of keeping the crap off the shock.