Sounds like some people really have no clue as to how and when to down shift, it is not an exercise in destruction. There should be no wear on engine or transmission to speak of. That's why I don't let many drive my vehicles.

1961 ford f500
1953 3100 five window (https://www.facebook.com/1953-Chevrolet-5-window-1533405913413610/)
1955-2 3200 big window (https://www.facebook.com/Leep3200/)
55yrs as a mechanic and retired. (kind of)