I don't think you've read enough. Yes, people have blown their motors. That does happen. But if you take the proper precautionary measures and don't get stupid about it, you'll be fine.
There are a couple of people with SC's with 20k and even close to 40k on stock block. With turbo, the general consensus is to go between 6-7 psi, but probably not much more.
And as Shark said, go with a compression and leakdown test. That, right away, will tell you whether to follow your head or your ballz.
