DMFs and second-gear starts?

[Classic Grad 98]

Mondeo diesel towing barge has a 6-speed 'box. Perfect when towing but slightly irritating other times- 1st too short and the gap to 2nd is too large, causing a jerky change. I compensate as best I can using the clutch more on that shift and revving more in 1st than I otherwise would- but it is annoying.
The car will happily set off in second, and I developed this habit when driving a rented transit. I've heard setting off in second gear with a DMF causes excessive torsional deflection in the mechanism and will decrease its service life.
Any advice or experience from PH? I do not want this to be a rant about how 'bad' DMFs are or how rubbish diesel is etc etc!

[tex200]

I can't comment on how much life it will take out of it, all I can suggest is that you alter your driving style to suit the car.

[Classic Grad 98]

Well that's what I've been doing thus far. I've done 20k miles in it but it still irritates me hence the question.

[andy-xr]

You're just going to drag the clutch with higher revs and slip, it's the bumps from just letting the clutch out that the flywheel will be knackered by