My 2 cents.
I know you want actual first hand knowledge of damage due to detonation, using starting fluids.
Diesel is slow burn fuel. By adding any starting fluid you are going to have the fuel burn quicker and cause detonation. Here is a link that shows detonation damage to pistons.

http://www.acl.com.au/web/acl00056.nsf/0/014b681fc66eeab44a2563c6002578c5?OpenDocument

But would it happen using starting fluid for the short time it takes to start the car. I don't know

Some interesting info from a mechanical professor

http://www.findarticles.com/cf_dls/m0BQH/3_46/99121270/p1/article.jhtml?term=

Heres a system designed for ether injectin in diesels

http://www.koldban.com/mainpages/systems/dm.htm

Another

http://www.detroitdiesel.com/public/ddc_prod/electronics/Profit_max/ether_start.asp

Just a few articles

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car