It isn't supposed to hurt the ballast, but it isn't supposed to work.

Supposed to be able to put a bigger bulb and run with a smaller ballast, that is supposed to work.

Putting a smaller bulb with a bigger ballast is supposed to push more current thru the bulb and cause it to be destroyed.

All I can find is what I've read, no one wants to try anythign.

A guy on here last week even got a box full of free lighting and wouldn't give it a go to get the answer. I'd love to do it just to find out the answer.

I'll give you plus rep just for having the balls to try it instead of being afraid, and you even paid for your stuff.