Ashman,

Breaking your car in quickly using more than the recommended rpm's is not abuse.

Abuse of an engine is running it slowly and never getting enough pressure behind the piston rings to fully push then against the cylinder wall to wear in properly. If this is not done then it is most likely your engine will burn some oil.

If your engine is burning a quart of oil every 3000-5000 miles then you did not break in the engine right. The piston rings did not seat.

I do agree with you about changing the oil often and if you are driving hard you will get more engine protection from synthetic oil.

I guess people have some pretty steadfast rules they prefer to follow on break-in, just remember you have some options it's up the individual to decide the best method for there car based on research and experience.

Jeff