The old wives wisdom of always touching the propeller before moving manifold pressure is a ridiculous idea which is taught in ignorance...it has no valid reason for being taught, and is a false concept.
I'm sure there are engines (probably smaller ones) that will tolerate max throttle at low RPM at sea level - but not the big radials, especially those with older carburetors. Ask the oldtimer engine guys what they think of pilots that abuse the hardware this way.
