Is connecting rod bushings needed?

You keep saying no advantage. Out of curiosity why did they make both pressed and floating to begin with?
What I would like to know, is what POSSIBLE advantage you think you are gaining running "Steel on Steel" to Float a Rod ?

You can answer your own question here ?
The quick answer is NOBODY ever made "Floating" Rods the way you are planning ? So, any ADVANTAGES you may think you are gaining ? is NOT apples to apples now is it ?

(Other than Farm Implement Engines)
WHO ?
What Factory ?
Ever offered a Performance Engine with "Steel on Steel" Floated Rods ?
NONE I ever heard of, but I am all ears ?
Obviously,
it would have been FAR easier at production....for Factory "Performance" Engines to very simply run floated "Steel on Steel", rather than go to all the trouble and expense of acquiring and fitting "Bushings" ??

You do whatever your "Guy" wants to do...
but IMO,
I wouldn't use "Steel on Steel" as a way to " Float" Rods in a Fawking Wheel Barrow !
I have a reputation to protect. Do it PROPERLY... or don't do it AT ALL... simple as that !

BEST advice I can give you....Get him to give you a written warranty on the steel on steel "Floated" Pins OK ?