The rev limiter doesn't kick in until 6000+ rpms.
1st gear will reach to 54 mph before reaching the rev limiter so it isn't a matter of "doing it right"...it's mechanical arithmetic
gear ratio in trans vs final drive ratio : engine rpm's = 3-1 downshift. And in a 94-97 transmission, this can spell disaster.
in a drag racing example, most STOCK base model Mark VIII's, when raced 1320 feet in DRIVE will cross the finish line in 2nd gear at approximately 5800- rpm's, depending on wheel speed at launch(traction). 1st gear shifts at WOT at approximately = 54 mph at 6000 rpms.
see this video for an example...
http://www.markviii.org/~firenice/MOV00266.MPG
It isn't like someone will willfully damage their transmission....but if you're getting on the freeway and the onramp is short, and there is a semi coming at you at 55 and you're doing 45 mph so you willfully depress the gas pedal to gain speed, not only is it possible for the transmission to downshift to the appropriate gear, but the wide gear ratio will force it. I'm talking about "in Drive", not manually pulling the gear.
Kirk, it isn't a matter of whether I willfully "broke" my transmission....it is a matter of the transmission has a some weaknesses that unfortunately people don't know about until it is too late. You and many others have just been lucky enough not to have experienced that.
There's a reason Ford re-tooled the 4R70W, and damaged caused by 3-1 downshifts is one of the many.