There’s a middle road approach, which is what I always do on new cars: follow the recommendations BUT make sure to induce engine braking to help seat the rings. Vary the RPMs a lot, rev it up (within the recommended guidelines) and let it coast back down. Also downshift from time to time.
Idea is to create back pressure to seat the rings. That’s what the “drive it hard” theory is about. And it can be done within the guidelines.
