How many, have nursed a knocking Rod home?

I nursed a 318 about 12 miles on city blocks, light to light taking it very easy on the throttle. Got home fine, lost torque on one of the rod caps, 1 backed off completely and it was hanging by 1 bolt and a bent cap. Dumped the 318 for a 340! See, all these things are planned by a higher source....I drove my Mazda with a huge head gasket breach between 2 cylinders, it looked siamesed when I pulled it. It knocked so hard that I was sure it was the death of its crank but I nursed it for about 20 miles undr light throttle on the freeway. IT wasnt even worth being towed so I just said F it and drove it home. Put new $6 Rockauto closeout head gasket and it runs fine! I still got it........