I always get a kick out of threads like that. Someone takes the time to methodically disassemble a selection of filters and present his findings in a loosely scientific fashion, combined with numerous people chiming in with valuable commentary like, "Haha, yeah! Fram filters are crap!" As if it makes any difference at all. (EDIT: I do appreciate the time and effort that goes into documenting such things, though I find the benefits merely interesting to look at.)
Given a brand new engine, the only difference I see between running store brand and premium oil and filters is the ultimate longevity of the engine. Leave it alone and change the oil on regular intervals, and it's maybe a difference of 100,000 miles versus 150,000 miles. The vast majority of (American) owners don't keep their vehicles that long, and stepping up to premium oil/filters on used vehicles with six figures plus on them is like putting a better bandage on a festering wound.
My 420A Talon went 210,000 miles on nothing but Fram filters and Castol Syntec. The only oil problems I had were un-gapped rings and blown headgaskets.
Much ado...
