Just need to vent...

The parts of older cars didn't fit together as well as today's models. With slack between them, the jerk of start up can lead to more wear. There was also a latent fear that the car wouldn't start back up, specially with carburetors. Dirty air filter on a lawnmower makes it harder to pull start when the engine is hot; car mechanicals weren't that much different way back. It was also a time of more 'crud in the fuel supply and oil.

Modern cars are more robust today. Spinning up the engine to higher speeds before firing the cylinders like hybrids do would be better, but restarts aren't the issue they used to be. The starter might wear out with manual engine offs during a trip. Heard of an Accord that needed one replaced after three years, but it was Wayne Gerdes' car, so was seeing more restarts than even other hypermilers were doing.

Cars with auto stop/start use heavier duty starters. The manufacturer does not want to pay for warranty repairs. The 12V battery will see more use. Occasionally hooking up a charger is good idea. Likely a good idea withe the stop/start not even used.