Hello Mr. J. Perhaps you can explain to me how all the port pins can be used as inputs? I think that will settle the confusion in my mind.

I think you didnot get me right. If you write 1 to any pin, you can pull it low externally (as when you are using a port pin as input).

Please explain how a port pin can be used as input. May be I can protect my devices from the damage that I am doing to them through this.

IF you think any thing I suggested has a risk of damaging the device, use a buffer in between the driver and the microcontroller.

I am sure Mr. Stefan Keller would not be enjoying this and would be rather more confused than before.

Regards
Aman