is to put it in first gear and use the starter to propel it

Yup!

The strain will obviously be much worse for a diesel than a petrol. Should still be ok if you don't make a habit of it.

Haven't we all done this at some time?

It's never caused me a problem either but doing it with the handbrake on would be a worse idea.

Yes we've all done it - and doing it with the handbrake on makes surprisingly little difference !!!

It makes all the difference in the world if you're parked with the nose close to something else at the time......;-}

Right--- the handbrake problem... My Fiesta 1.4 Tdci has that problem on icy Winter mornings - the handbrake locks on. I had the back wheels off and sprayed around the handbrake cable ends with 3-in-One 'Anti-Sieze Copper Grease', but the bit that was sticking appeared to be where the two cables join the equaliser bit with the singe cable going through to the handbrake lever. I can't physically see that, because the two seperate cables disappear behind the silvered material which protects from the heat of the exhaust. However, putting a mat down and lying on my back, I squirt Duck-Oil in as far under the reflective sheet as I can, and that keeps the handbrake free.

I'm a firm believer in Duck-Oil. It was the only thing that stopped my Mini door locks icing up many years ago (proper Mini, not the BMW thing), and using the little plastic straw which comes with the can, it frees up the door and boot locks on the Fiesta, which have a habit of going 'sticky'.

Yes, Peter... I've had a squirt from the inside as well. I needed to lift the handbrake lever cover and give the cable-end nut a few turns 'cos it was coming up a few too many clicks for my liking.