Clutch-/gear shifter shaft

Took my output sprocket cover off today, intending to strip, clean and lube the clutch release mechanism. NOTE: Many tiny balls inside, be careful!

Anyway, I also pulled the clutch release rod and found plenty of wear marks/gouges. I sanded it so nothing is sticking up, but the gouges are there. Also, it is easy to see where it has rested against the ball bearing.

*Is smoothness of the rod critical?
*Should I oil the rod tunnel?
*Should I put grease where the rod meets the ball bearing on the end?

The other thing I wonder about is the output shifter shaft (the one holding the lever).

*Should I oil or grease the shaft and/or the support tunnel in the sprocket cover, or should it run dry?

Thanks