answer:The clutch is designed to slip, but it’s also designed to wear slightly over time. If you ride it too much you can conceivably wear it out in a couple of hours. If you decide to pop the clutch as you mention it’s technically easier on the clutch itself (assuming you’re not giving it too much gas) but much harder on the transmission which is much more painful (and expensive) to replace. I don’t know if there’s going to be an absolute answer for either of you to be “right”. Of course, slipping the clutch somewhat is how it’s meant to be used and how people get their cars moving. I would guess someone is learning how to drive stick and wondering which side is better to falter on? Too much gas is really the problem that will wear the car out in both scenarios. Try to get things moving with a minimum of revs and you’ll get familiar with the car faster and really lessen the chances of causing damage. Good luck with the dispute.