He's more or less correct ...but not necessarily for the right reasons. Fram isn't cheap due to it's cardboard (our nomenclature) non-metal endcaps ..it's just cheap and they use non-metal endcaps. Other Fram offerings use metal endcaps ..which kinda infers that they don't think too much about their lower end filter design if you're willing to ante up. The Ecore (STP) uses a plastic cage to reduce metal in filter ..a plus for the trade that may be required to "de-can" the filter before disposal. The endcap construction did not originate out of cheapness ..but with that goal in mind (100% easy separated metal). Fram didn't have this "feature" in mind. They still have a metal center tube. Before the Ecore, and currently on other low end offerings in other than Ecore can size filters, a metal end cap was used before and is used now. The end cap is a composite fabric that has some odd process to bond it to the media (maybe sonic welding or heating - I can't recall). Ecores tend to be lower end offerings in terms of filtration and costs ..but I imagine if someone wanted better media and silicon combo valves, they would be more than happy to produce a $4-$5 retail Ecore. I find the design rather novel. Think of the high volume quick lube that has a $2500 commercial grade filter can cutter and disposes of 4 55 gallon drums full of crushed filter cans a month. All the recyclable material is in the end cap and the can. The internals are all non-metal. As environmental regs/mandates get even more complicated, an Ecore may be the default choice for sensible avoided costs. The OEMs are already going back to cartridge type, non-metal, filters.
Various filters use non-metal end caps. Hamp was one that used an Ecore like end cap ..and some Euro types used something that appeared like some molded/injected polymer that the media was embedded in ...much like various spa/hot tub filters.
On the Motor Craft filters, YMMV. That is, although it appears to conform to the Premium Plus construction motif, it is 100% assured to meet Ford spec's for whatever engine it's designated for. A FL400S, for example, will have a silicon ADBV ..and, one would assume, whatever level of performance media that's called for in that application. It will have a open end bypass valve (although I don't consider this an essential feature - FORD does).
