Being licensed doesn't mean the fluid is identical. It means that it meets the minimal requirements for the licensed spec. And, each blender can go about their way within the licensing requirements. And, the consumer can read datasheets, or contact the blender, to see what some specs are to see if they are met, or grossly exceeded. For example, cold flow OE spec might be 13000cst CP... with common fluids beating it at ~12000 while some better ones could in the 7-10k range while Redline is ~5000cP. As a consumer, some of us know. Can't stand the ostrich head in the sand or can't be improved upon mentality with some members here.
The Pennzoil Platinum ATFs are pretty good fluids that are overlooked and have 3 full synthetic options:
LV:
Learn about the Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission oils and fluids from Pennzoil.
www.pennzoil.com
HM full viscosity:
Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Automatic Transmission Fluid is a full synthetic ATF designed typically for older generation transmissions.
www.pennzoil.com
Mopar:
Pennzoil Platinum ATF+4 is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed for Chrysler, Dodge, and other brands using this Chrysler-specific ATF.
www.pennzoil.com
Castrol also added more products to their ATF line, and some full synthetic:
Castrol® auto transmission fluid can restore smooth shifting, even in vehicles with over 75,000 miles on the odometer. Learn about this Liquid Engineering from Castrol® USA.
www.castrol.com
And Valvolines list of 6 full synthetic options:
Valvoline™ MaxLife™ Multi-Vehicle ATF is a full-synthetic formulation with advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown and help extend transmission life. Developed to help prevent leaks, maximize transmission performance, reduce transmission wear, and maintain...
www.valvoline.com
For this thread, I'd group the Dexron HP, Redline, and then follow with any full synthetic LV/VI ATF. From what I remember, LV has more stringent(better Ford requirements) than dexVI and dexHP trumps both.
The Platinum LV, Schaeffers, and Castrol brookfield at -40 is ~10000. Maxlife 9000. Amsoil 7700. Redline 4500. Mobil blend approved DexronVI is ~11500! Anyone think that the spec can't be improved upon anymore? The original PAO DexronHP was about 5000 and not sure if the newer GTL is that low.