Some years ago when I was utilizing a certain engineering lab for their expertise in analyzing various projects covering a wide range of engineering disciples, I consulted with their PhD Mechanical Engineer, who was for a long time associated with the Society of Automotive Engineers (an expert both with mechanics and vehicles) and I also consulted with their PhD Metallurgical Engineer (an expert with metals) to independently determine the value of the four ball test. They informed me that the four ball test met the standard ASTM D 4172-94 (which included both the ANSI standard B3.12 and the ASTM standard D 2266), so it was considered the "gold standard of testing" to determine the boundary ability of a particular oil to prevent metal degradation inside the engine.
*snip* Marketing *snip*