I have a 225 Merc with more than 2000 hours on it most of which are below 1000 RPM. I have put 1 set of plugs in it since 2007 and she trolls just fine. I can only speak for my experience and have heard the same stories about never trolling with a 2 stroke. Depending on lake conditions I may have to throw a bag out to slow me down but that is rare. Good luck.