I believe that oil colour is irrelevant. Its filtered so although its black its actually clean and It's the additive package and how long they last in relation to neutralizing acid,the anti-wear agents and friction modifiers,fuel dillution etc. Garak makes a good point. Pablo sells amsoil and from his posts I believe he gives an honest assessment of the products he sells. Send him a pm. I am sure he will tell you how long the oil and filter will last.
As far as piece of mind the days of the 3000 mile oil change are gone. If you are going to spend the money on a top quality synthetic stretch out the change interval. It's about value per dollar. If you follow their recommendations it actually costs less to use amsoil if you multiply the cost or 5 5000 km oil changes vs 1 SSO change. I used the SSO 0w30 in my truck last winter. Long warm up times,trailer towing,-40 temps and at 22000 kms I changed it out and sent a sample to blackstone. Their concern was the fuel dilution which made sense due to 30 minute warm ups in these arctic conditions and suggested I let it go right to 25000.
As far as piece of mind the days of the 3000 mile oil change are gone. If you are going to spend the money on a top quality synthetic stretch out the change interval. It's about value per dollar. If you follow their recommendations it actually costs less to use amsoil if you multiply the cost or 5 5000 km oil changes vs 1 SSO change. I used the SSO 0w30 in my truck last winter. Long warm up times,trailer towing,-40 temps and at 22000 kms I changed it out and sent a sample to blackstone. Their concern was the fuel dilution which made sense due to 30 minute warm ups in these arctic conditions and suggested I let it go right to 25000.