I had a jerry can with me. Once I ran out, put in 10 litres.

Yeah, it's bad for all those reasons you've listed. Also apparently the fuel pump uses the fuel as a coolant so when you're really empty, there is a chance of burning out the fuel pump.

As Golfman said, newer cars generally won't suffer these problems. Which is why I decided to carry out this little experiment now, just so I know.