Originally Posted by
TejanoTrackie
You should NEVER put any grease on a square taper bottom bracket spindle. The recommended torque values are based on a clean ungreased spindle, which will minimize movement of the crank arm when tightened and allow the tension in the bolt to be maintained for a tight connection. The bolt threads, however, should definitely be greased, to get an accurate torque reading.
Every mechanic is a little different I have talked to some who do grease and some who don't. Grease does prevent seizing and makes removal easier but yes your point is 100% valid as well. I am I guess sort of agnostic on the whole thing but most of my stuff minus three bikes is all external bb cranks or one ISIS crank.