How small is too small?

This might be a dumb question but I am a little confused. I keep seeing people saying that micros will break your hair off, but I want to do a braid regimen as a protective style to grow my hair out again. ( I just cut it after having locs for 10 years and it is a few different lengths)

When people say that the small braids will break your hair off, what do they mean by too small? I just braided my hair myself and used big chunks! (like only 5 -10 braids per row lol). But I don't really love the way it came out. And when they say small, do they mean how small you part your hair or how much of the extension hair you are putting in?

Anybody see a tutorial or example of a good size part and amount of hair to use for a kinky twist?

Thanks!
Nebula