I didn't see a flip side. The cheaper filters didn't market a hyped up interval. Even the extra guard, Extra Guard® is the perfect filter for everyday drivers who perform oil changes at OE recommended intervals, is good for 20k in that A/B Honda. But, this thread isn't about Honda's. And, I don't see anything as muddy.
I guess Honda understands their gram loading of a filter better than any other automaker. And, I guess that Amsoil had to learn that some engines overload a filter. I would think that the automaker's vague and blanket recommendations would be more accurate than hype marketing from an oil or filter company that did NOT test their filters on every engine out there.
And Mobil1, since mentioned in this thread, has small print too:
• Mobil 1 Extended Performance motor oils provide guaranteed protection of critical engine parts for up to 20,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first. Excluded service includes: commercial and racing applications; frequent towing or hauling; extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or excessive idling.
• If your vehicle is covered by a warranty, follow the vehicle's oil life sensor or the oil change interval recommended in your owner's manual.
Too bad that "extremely" or "excessive" isn't defined... just like "lifetime" isn't defined concerning fluids.
The roads in this big city are 'extremely dirty' with all the garbage tossed out the ghetto drivers' windows. And the wind blew some dust from all the road construction. Guess I can't use the M1 filter for 20k since extremely dirty dusty are excluded. Gotta run, need to change the lifetime fluid and filter in my transmission.