I'm running an 18 inch Upstart bar on my "junker" this summer which is a modified Poulan 2550. I keep that saw to run ethanol gas mix for small or dirty jobs, cut buckthorn and stumps etc. I'm just not willing to flush cut stumps and buckthorn in the mud with an expensive saw. I store the junk saw with a full tank of marine grade stabile ethanol gas mix in the saw and grab it when I have something to cut. So far this year, I've run about 8-10 tanks of gas and am 90% through a chain that was brand new in spring with that brand new Upstart bar. Sorry, I don't keep track of hours of run time on my junk saw.
I'm telling you all this not to start a war about ethanol fuel / Poulans etc., but just to give you an clear idea of my use and application of that saw relative to your specific question about Upstart Component entry level chainsaw bar quality. I'm seeing about the same wear on the Upstart bar as I have seen on Poulan bars or even Oregon bars and I'm experiencing no noticeable difference in function. For me, it's a lower investment than “brand name” bars and perfect for a high abuse low end. The Upstart bar is cheap, disposable, acceptable, and adequate and I'm not out a lot if I bend it when I abuse it. Don't over think it for your application. If the saw is for "minimal use" the bar will probably get sold or thrown out with the saw when the older gentleman is finished with it. Also proper maintenance never gets done on occasional use saws, so if he runs out of oil, or cuts with a dull chain - so what. And if he does somehow manage to wear it out without wrecking it, then put a "better" bar on his saw because at that point it's actually not a "Minimal Use" application.
