SP mandatory (well, with a few exceptions)
Viscosity (I won't add to that discussion, but I tend to go thicker than the oil cap)
Vehicle (some engines are easier on oils than others)
Usage (short trip? extended drives? Idling? How often?)
GDI's run on the rich side because if you run it lean the engine will destroy itself.
I run 5w30, 5w40, 0w40, 10w30 and 10w40 in my vehicles and mostly euro cert or HM. I have no problem stepping up in viscosity. It doesn't guarantee anything will be better protected (or does it). Plenty of vehicles out there on 20 weight or lower and going well into 200k mile range without any engine explosions.
So, it leaves us with how long to run the OCI? This one thing I think is more important than brand or viscosity of original oil. That is up to you but I err on the side of caution changing between 5-6 thousand miles. I've been known to change the oil early also.
I limit short trips as much as possible, I will only idle if necessary, I buy top tier fuel and I use premium 93 octane. There is a performance benefit with premium fuel, my vehicles are turbo charged and/or higher compression engines. My little fleet is exposed to spirited driving every day. Sort of an Italian tune-up for fun.
I say drive them and enjoy the ride. Don't overthink anything but the OCI in my opinion. But I do like my oil on thick side.
