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There are 2 different “leans” here. You having the needle turned in “lean” almost all the way will not damage anything. That has more to do with the fuel/air mix…not the fuel/oil mix. If you’re too lean that way it just won’t run right. As was mentioned, if it runs good the way you have it dialed in, fine. If you run it “lean” by not having enough oil mixed with the fuel, that’s a different story. Then you do run the risk of damaging something.
The only thing that might get damaged when making your adjustment too lean is going in too far and too hard and putting a groove in the tip of the needle. That’s why when telling others how to adjust the needle you often read something like 1-1/2 turns out from “lightly seated”.
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I just finished rejuvinating a 58 Fleetwin for a friend’s buddy. The engine ran great but both needles were turned in much farther than the standard initial settings. I attributed this to worn needles/carb castings. I decided not to worry about it, surely not worth replacing the needles/carb if the engine runs just fine the way it is.
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I don’t think you have much to worry about. The things you have heard about damage from lean conditions usually occur on larger engines with 3-6cylinders. Your 6hp will let you know if it is too lean by faltering/hesitating/surging at WOT. Just make sure the cooling system is working properly, including the thermostat. And, don’t be afraid of using a little extra oil in the mix. Change the gear lube often to catch minor leaks before major damage occurs.
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