Yeah Doug, I guess having both worked for engineering firms (in my case, a biomedical firm which developed implanted devices), we have an appreciation for the sometimes excruciating detail engineers go to in the research and development process. I have little doubt that Detroit operates the same way.
I should have clarified my earlier opinion with a thought expressed by others, that 1) Auto makers know exactly what's going on with the lubes they recommend and how they'll perform; and 2) That such spec's are actually MINIMUM standards, and that of course one can certainly EXCEED what's in the owner's manual and even achieve longer engine life by doing so. That's how boards like BITOG prove useful. But my point was that Detroit has to set reasonable standards, and not attempt to put everyone in $4/qt syn oil changed every 3K miles. The reason they say $1/qt "SL" oil is fine when changed every 7.5K mi is that they've tested such oils in non-severe service conditions on many examples of that engine under varying conditions. My point is simply "they know what they're doing," but one can certainly feel free to exceed the factory spec's and even benefit from same.
"Automotive Powerplant and drivetrain engineers generally know SQUAT about oil analysis..." Really? Here's some anecdotal evidence which might suggest THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE CASE:
"Car Manufacturers -- Lubricant Influence: New specifications for passenger car motor oils are driven by the Car Manufacturers."
http://www.cam2.com/june_2002.htm
"The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association...says testing has shown 'that both viscosity and phosphorus content affect timing-chain wear. For SAE 5W-20 oils, less than 0.06 percent secondary phosphorus ZnDTP does not provide adequate chain-wear protection.'"
http://www.lubereport.com/e_article000164110.cfm
"GF-4 moves well beyond GF-3 in increased oxidation protection to handle severe operating conditions, such as Las Vegas taxi service, and increased piston deposit protection which will maintain piston cleanliness in the longer lifetimes of newer, higher-performance engines which run at maximum piston deposit temperatures allowed for in aluminum pistons." - Bob Olree, General Motors
http://www.performancempg.com/lubricationnews.htm
I guess I'm curious as to how these auto firm powerplant engineers would be making such cutting-edge claims WITHOUT any substantial knowledge of UOA?