I'm not an expert, but if a car company gives me a button to push and it causes damage to a transmission....I'm going to be pissed!! The only thing I can see different might be your MPG.

 

2008 XJR. For the first few months I drove it in normal mode. Since then in sports mode unless I am on a long highway cruise.

About the Detroit suburbs in summer: normal mode averages 20.x mpg, sport mode 19.x and a little more than 1 mpg less. I drive vigorously but not insanely.

There is learning in the system. I think it includes throttle response as well as shift points.

It might be my imagination but I think the throttle is more responsive at lower speeds if you have stability control off as I frequently do.

 

The S mode makes for a twitchy throttle response and is only good for "gunning it" in my opinion. The car loses some of its grace when it lurches when it does not need to.

I'll put the S button on when go through Fast Lane and or merging on to a highway. My girlfriend uses more than I do.