So, what does a person do with this information?
Do you shun Valvoline products on principle? Motor oil, gear lube, ATF, grease??
Or, do you trust that Valvoline is selling products that meet or exceed the specifications? People trust non API Amsoil oil. Gear lubes have no API certification program, so you only have trust to rely on any manufacturer. Many people diy oil changes with aftermarket filters during the warranty period knowing that it is o.k., but might be much more difficult if a engine warranty issue develops. Point is, we still do it.
Remember, any lubricant warranty only covers the quality of their formulation. Just like oil filters, one would have to prove the oil defective to cover a mechanical failure. Not to be confused with the various warranties companies offer for using their engine oil at every OCI. I.E., ....
https://www.pennzoil.com/en_us/warranty.html#iframe=L2xvZ2luLw
While I dislike the deceptive nature that Valvoline is taking here, if you base your decisions on principle you will really limit the number of manufacturers you have available to purchase from. I don't have the backbone to do this unless it is a HUGE violation of principle. After one bad car experience, many people sign off ever buying that brand again. Yet, nearly every manufacturer has serious skeletons in their closet if you are honest with your investigation.
So again, I ask what do we do with this information?