dennyg,
Specifically regarding break-in...
a.) Some feel you should dump the oil as soon as you get home.
Rational being to get that initial metal soupy fill out.
Once you done this, you would run the oil a decent interval to allow a nice run in/break in.
Key to the above is to again, dump the FF immediately.
b.) Next approach is a hyper like approach.... short runs...perhaps 1k or less, and then dropping the oil.
This done x number of times. Rational get break in metals out as soon as possible.
c.) Next style is to, as you mention run the initial fill for some amount of time, as you suggest, perhaps 3k miles..... perhaps 5k...
Rational is you want to allow some amount of engine run in, but you want rid your engine of what you feel is break in contaminants as well.
d.) Next style…. the stated interval should be followed. Some feel this way because VW, in this case, states so in their literature, some feel this way because they may feel they have info that suggests the procedure is sound.
In any case, the idea of removing the contaminates is not an issue of concern in this approach.
Point of consideration to d.) In the case of VW it is well documented that the same engine which once had a 5k internal now lists a 10k internal. Same oil specification. What changed? Fee service for 36k. What do do?
I've done a.) many, many years ago with a new Honda, I had them do the oil change right then and there.... after that, I simply changed the oil as one should. UOA was not in my vocabulary.
I've done c.) on a new Honda Odyssey, with UOA support, I cannot say one way or another if the approach helped vs. those who ran longer.
I've done b.) on an 08 Silverado... with UOA support... I do not like the approach for many reasons…. I felt the engine did not break in properly till I was passed 30k miles.
I've never done d.) never. As the op mentions, I just don't think I can.
I like c.) best.... no evidence shown to be better, I like it.
My parents... are smack @ 8k on their way to 10k on a new Honda... my Pops who is quite old doesn't feel easy about it, but keeps telling me the dealer told him to follow the OLM. Good for my Pops... We know that engine will be fine.
