You're correct, the oil change is actually a high-stress event for any engine. Doing an oil change every 3k miles is actually very wearing because--even for a split second--there is possible metal-on-metal contact as the oil pump reprimes itself.
But engines are very different today than they were 15-20 years ago. They are machined with blueprint accuracy such that clearances are very fine and the resulting break-in period is very short if its needed at all. Additionally, most new vehicles use synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil which is much more durable and retains detergents for much longer service intervals.
I use the best oil I can find and do two oil changes a year unless there's a more driving than usual during a period. Generally, the service interval on my car is ~ 7500 miles, though 10k would not be a problem.
The oil change industry wants you to think otherwise because they make a lot of money selling needless oil changes. Much better to put in a good oil and a good filter, great oil might be more expensive but the engine will last longer.