I wouldn't call it a strawman thing.. i have 5k+ into my 318 and it's still a pile of parts.. when i stroke it it will be 10k+... and i'm not doing anything crazy parts wise... just something to do.
P.S. i also don't see it as having to much money to throw away, i stress about every penny.. guys that build show queens with date coded torque converter bolts are the money guys