Thanks for the feedback. I’m an advocate of not driving a new engine hard, but I’ve heard the “shelf” theory occasionally over the years and thought I’d get your thoughts on the subject.
With respect to those who pointed out that full throttle forces the rings against the cylinder walls with more force, while it’s true that rings are canted, designed such that downward force pushes them against the cylinders, the spaces between the pistons and cylinder walls through which pass those forces are so minute that I doubt that the difference if radial forces of the rings against the wall is meaningful. I’m open to technical data to the contrary.
My own practice has always been to drive the engine the same way during the break in period that I plan to drive it long term. And it’s always worked for me.