Jay Honeck wrote:
In my experience, every mechanical thing last longer when treated
gently. This is why I (and others) take a full 3 or 4 seconds to
apply full power at take off, rather than simply slapping the throttle
lever to the stops. (I confess that I never worried about such things
as a renter...)

I do, too, but I did this as a renter, too. My dad was a carpenter -- he
insisted that we go easy on EVERYTHING! If we changed channels on the TV
"too fast", we were in trouble because that was considered "hard" on the
dial and the TV. Not to mention that everything in life generally
responds better when treated gently and with respect rather than being
manhandled!
;-)

Young people -- especially young men -- take a long time to learn
this. (I know I did.) To illustrate this phenomenon, we need only
look at my riding lawn mower. For four years it ran perfectly with
me on board. This summer, my 16 (now 17) year old son took over the
hotel mowing duties. Within two weeks, the mower needed to be
repaired. Rough, abrupt usage of ANY mechanical equipment will
shorten its lifespan.

I think part of this is learned and sinks in more once you start paying
for your own stuff and its associated maintenance out of your own
pocket, with money YOU have earned!