I was able to get some additional info from Ford Customer Service that the key should be in the ACC position. 
I was sort of able to confirm this by looking up other Ford models with the same engine/transmission combo (which I would think might have use the same procedure), and one of the other models indicated to put the vehicle into ACC position - but no mention about fuses.
They also said that there are no issues with a dead battery if you start the car as prescribed (every 6 hours), but I am a bit skeptical about that.
I would like to know if there are any other Taurus towers (probably only one or two people) that pull fuses.