Jack you sweet basturd!
I'm sure the life of your big lift motor had nothing to do with the way YOU drive!
I've got over 2200 miles on my 482 Shelby (4.250 Velasco) solid roller at .650 lift, and no problems (watch something happen now
). Obviously, I don't baby the sumb!tch. Idles fine at a lumpy 1K, stays extremely cool in the 100+ temps in stop and go, and boils the hides upon demand. I use a 6k chip for everyday use in the 6AL.
I've heard comments from several folks that bigger motors can take higher lifts???????