What Apkano was describing is most commonly known as "speed shifting" and if excuted correctly, really isn't any harder on the car than shifting in a big hurry. Well, maybe a little harder on the shift linkage, depending on how big your biceps are.
If you miss a shift, your rev limiter will save the engine.
To accomplish the fastest possible E.T. at the drags (with a manual tranny) that's the best technique to use.
Nobody ever said drag racing wasn't hard on the car, and "serious" drag racers are probably just that much harder. But sometimes that's what you have to do to win.
Steve (Apkano) has posted some of his times that he's turned at the drags, and he's running about the same times the coupes are. Even though he owns a heavier and less aerodynamic Roadster. So I guess his driving technique is paying off.