Will a record weight harm the motor in a direct drive turntable?

Platter run-out - +/- .001 inch is not a bad place to be when talking solely about the Stylus Interface within the LP Groove.

Additionally, the Vertical Axis is likely to be changing in conjunction with the Platter Run Out if the Run Dimension starts to increase.

Changes to the Vertical Axis is the one to show a concern about as this is where the noise is to be produced, and where a proportion of noise produced will be on route to the Stylus when in contact with the Groove.

As earlier stated by a TT owner " The goal, IMO, is to isolate the lp as much as possible from the bearing. "   

The vast majority of us is not going to know there is a problem with runout or the bearing unless or until he can see or hear a problem.  But yes, it is nice to know that VPI is paying attention to bearing accuracy in manufacture. At least one can be confident that a new TT starts out with excellent machining.

An interface where moving parts are able to touch is a one way route to changes occurring over time. The condition for the environment the parts moving are making contact in will vary. 

Inspection of conditions the parts are functioning in will range from Adequately Lubricated - No Evidence of a Lubrication that has a useful purpose - No Evidence of a Lubricant have ever been used.

Any of the conditions discovered means wear of parts is occurring when the Rotations are taking place.

Any of the conditions discovered means wear of parts is occurring at very different rates of break down and acceleration to becoming detrimental to the TT's Rotation Eccentricity, Speed Stability, as well as the Stylus function when within the Groove.

My aim as always is merely to encourage such concerns are not under the Carpet, they areas valid to be checked on a periodical basis as a Stylus Wear. 

I use a 850gm weight (HRS) with my Kuzma Stabi R table which is a relatively high mass table, especially with both “wings” installed.  The weight makes an audible difference that I prefer overall.  There may be some damping effect on the sound but it does make the overall presentation a bit more natural sounding.  I was worried a little about the weight but it is a lot less than the Kuzma outer ring (1.3 kg). Kuzma makes a couple different weights that are around 330 gms. I would never use this on my Rega P10.

The answer depends upon which particular direct drive turntable is being considered.