I thought I had a good handle on what to do with an I.C engine.

I've run nitro for over fifteen years on and off. I've never worn out an engine to the point of no compression (especially in such a short time). Replaced rods, the odd bearing and brought new engines as needed for major events.

I've also never had to add oil to quality fuel (used RB, Runner time pretty much exclusively) at any time to break in any engine.

I've run a variety on brands but mainly RB with pretty good success but never had a quality product perform so poorly.