Dave Smith wrote:

e. I get a chuckle out of people who maintain that
it makes important
> difference when you put the cream or milk in the cup first as opposed to after the
> tea has been poured. While it may make a difference to them, AFAIAC they have already
> ruined the tea.

My understanding is that it was the difference
between fragile teacups and sturdier cups. The
milk added first help temper the tea added so that
the delicate teacup wouldn't crack. At least that
is what I've been led to believe for many years?
Goomba