The right way to understand how well a filter is doing is to run it in the application and then do some PC tests on the oil, as well as cutting the filter open for some visual observations.
It's not unlike using a UOA to assess oil condition and performance. You gotta test things rather than guess at things if you want accurate info for any specific application.
The engines in my personal fleet of cars tend to be very easy on oil, so sludge and particulate matter are not a big issue. I've successfully run EGs 10k miles with no problems. As you note, other applications may be a stretch at that distance.