And you know as well as I do that the vast majority of the sweeping conclusions we see here that are based on a $30 spectrographic analysis (whether VOA or UOA) are technically unfounded and in most cases unsupported by the lab themselves. Blackstone has already unequivocally stated that there is no statistically significant difference in UOA results between any oil they have tested. It’s not the tool for that and it does not yield those results, just like the other test in that video does not.
I'll nit-pick here, just a bit, for clarification.
Several years ago, I worked in cooperation with Blackstone to collect data for my UOA normalcy study. I didn't work "for" them; I never got paid or any promotional considerations. I simply coordinated with Ryan to get the data from their database (redacted of any personal info). Ryan, at the time, admitted he found my analysis interesting and they don't do that type of "in depth" analysis. They don't do "statistical" processing of info.
What Blackstone states ...
What’s the best oil to use?
Ah, the million dollar question. We are an independent lab, so we don’t make recommendations. It has been our experience that oil is oil, and either petroleum or synthetic-based oil will work well for just about any engine.
Come on, you’re holding out on me. I should use synthetic, right?
Buddy, you should use whatever you want. Synthetic oil won’t guarantee a longer engine life any more than my eating organic food will guarantee I’ll live until I’m 90. We here at Blackstone generally use regular petroleum-based oil because honestly, it works just as well for us.
My point? I don't know that Blackstone has ever "unequivocally stated" anything regarding statistically significant results one way or another, mainly because they are not trained to do such analysis, nor do they have the interest in doing so. If you have a direct quote from them, then I may be wrong, but this would be of great news to me.
The world of statisics can be both a blessing and a curse, as with most things in life. A little knowledge can be dangerous.
If anyone wants to understand the pros/cons, do's/don'ts, etc regarding UOAs and what conclusions are sound (or not), read this:
Reviewing UOA Data Used oil analyses (UOAs) are tools. And like most tools, they can either be properly used or misused, depending upon the application, the user, the surrounding conditions, etc.= There are already many good articles and publications in existence that tell us how to interpret...
bobistheoilguy.com
Statisical analysis most certainly can be used to determine not only lubricant characteristics, but also equipment characteristics, and the results of the interaction of the lubes and equipment. But, the danger lies in the mis-application of the methods, and/or mis-interpretation of the results.
I am willing to state, unequivocally, that most folks here have no idea how to properly interpret a UOA, and typically have nowhere enough data for proper analysis. THAT is a claim I am willing to stand behind 100%.