what about sudden power ONs (after power failures)? is that a myth too? please say yes...
Pressing the power switch is a sudden power on. Sudden power on also causes no damage. Sudden power on also occurs 120 times every second - called AC electricity.
Circuits that make suddenly power off, sudden power on, and fast power cycling irrelevant are routine in all electronics. For example, some electronics include an in-rush current limiter. This restricts power during power on (ie creates a brownout) to even make electronics more robust. Since electronics (and not motorized appliances) love to be powered on during a brownout.
Second feature is a lockout function that stops power on if fast power cycling occurs. This safety lockout feature is reset only by temporarily disconnecting a power cord from the wall receptacle. Both are examples of why so many fears exist because many do not learn what already exists.
These design features exist because sudden power off, sudden power on, low voltage (brownout), and many other 'feared' anomalies must never cause damage. These anomalies are routinely made irrelevant by electronic designs that existed long before PCs existed.
Concerns about suddenly power off or power on are classic examples of wild speculation. Nobody has posted facts that suggest either are harmful. But 'feelings' have justified fears. If an anomaly causes damage, then one can cite each 'at risk' component with numbers that say why. Too much 'protection' is done because urban myths often replace what was taught in junior high science.
Normal is defective memory working just fine for weeks. And then start failing months later. Many reasons can explain this including infant mortality and overstress.
A memory that worked just fine at 70 degrees F can also fail at 80 degrees F. Heat is a powerful diagnostic tool. That defective memory that worked at 70 degrees can be discovered (before its warranty expires) by operating it in a 100 degree F room or heating it with a hairdryer on high. Both are examples of ideal temperatures for semiconductors (read datasheets). Only fear due to 'feelings' worry that heat is hardware destructive. Temperatures must approach 350 degrees F to create semiconductor damage. Use heat to identify semiconductors that will fail hard in the future.
Many see something fail when warmer. Then speculate that heat caused damage. If heat is so low as to not leave skin when touched, then it is not too hot. Heat is a powerful diagnostic tool. Use heat to identify defective parts that work normally at 70 degrees F. And that will fail months or years later at 70 degrees F. Use heat to identify existing and new memory as good. And to identify defective parts before a warranty expires.
