Dan, I agree with you.  Here is an alternative approach.

It is tought to test fly a new plane and break in a new engine.  This
presents a dilema.  Low power taxi runs. stall and attidute testing the
plane on first flight to safely return to terra firma. etc.  Ground testing
with the planes nose to the sky to test fuel draw at full power.  Tie that
plane down safely. etc.

The shop that assembled my engine offered to run in the engine on the test
stand for four hours.  I said go for it and there under controlled
conditions the rings were conditioned.  The usual run in is about one hour;
not enough time.

So if you are in a dilemma regards to the above conundrum; ask your
powerplant builder to run in your engine on the stand.

Bob Smiley
N94RJ