Shy as anyone knows the Vne of the 76 was bogus
I'm very aware of what's been said unofficially but I'm surprised at your comments. Nick was test flying the aircraft, we aren't. Neither is the pilot who flies the aircraft after a limit has been bust and nothing recorded in the tech log.
Surely you aren't of the opinion that RFM published limits are there for "less knowledgable" pilots' guidance only? The manufacturer bases the maintenance schedules (and the warranty) on the assumption that the published RFM limits are being adhered to. The insurance company will also assume that the published RFM limits are adhered to.