What an interesting topic. Good point from original poster, if not a little, um, brash? Forgive me-- here's an argument.
I've never done a UOA. I'd like to, but have never had problems with long OCIs (10,000 mile) and brand name syn oil.
Now, I grew up setting carb mixtures by ear, even gapped valves in a pinch with folded notebook paper based on the math, built a hovercraft from lawnmower parts, and rebuilt my first v8 before I could drive.
When you've been around your motor long enuf, you can gather clues on how it's doing based on feel, vibration, smoothness, sound, reviness, mpg, consumption... not scientific, but maybe...as an art? How many of us can remember the signs of overly rich vs overly lean mix on acceleration? One spits/pops and one chugs. How many of us had that old chevy with 450 rpm idle that for some reason couldn't idle on rainy days and would hence get a quick 50 rpm boost at the screw if the weather looked bad?
By knowing my own vehicle, I know it balances out better with certain oils than others. I feel I have a right to that opinion, I've earned it. But just like the original poster, I can't accept "My car loves this oil" on face value from someone else because I have no idea why they came to that conclusion. Maybe they're like me and have a good balance of reasons. Maybe it's because it's what dad used.
I think there is truth on both sides of the question. Lets not be too hasty to judge.
Mike
