The barrel break in theory is a wonderful subject for these threads, because no one can prove his rifle shot better/lasted longer, because it had a precise manner of starting out in life, as compared to just shooting and cleaning in the regular fashion. Nor, can I prove it doesn't work!
It reminds me of when I was taking the training to become a flight instructor. The instructor teaching drilled into us that we should never tell a student anything about theory of flight, if we couldn't demonstrate that theory in the air.
A simple example would be as follows. I would tell a student that if we move the control column to the right, the nose (of the aircraft) will first move to the left, before it starts to swing toward the right. The theory of why this is so, would then be explained to the student. Lastly, I would have the student move the control column of the aircraft to the right and he/she would see that the nose actually did move first to the left. The theory behind it was now clear in their mind.
If the theory of barrel break in can not be demonstrated, why are we wasting our time on it? Everyone should do what he believes is right, and live happily ever after.
I promise, I am finished with the subject.