Cam And Lifter Hardness Testing

Like the guy's on the performance TV shows. lol They seem to not waste cams when they run into problems during the initial start.
I've seen them crank and crank on those shows. lol
I've always wondered how much damage, if any, is done when the engine is just cranking. In the old days I think the break in paste got wiped off but the new stuff is supped to cling better.