A compression test before & after a new motor is run at load might convince you otherwise. You need the pressure of the combustion/vacuum to push the rings into the cylinder wall with sufficient pressure for them to seat. The only exception would be rings that have virtually no tension when using pistons with lateral gas ports. In that case, it's the gas ports that ensure the ring is sealing moreso than the ring and hone wearing into each other.Originally Posted by Init2winit
Rings do need some time to seat, but it's not 100's of miles with the rings & cylinder finishes in use today. If you have a rough hone, it'll take longer than with a fine hone.