<VV> Synthetic vs. Crude

[grant young]

Here is a small part of an interesting article that was on the AOL news
site today. I am not posting it to start a debate, discussion, to solicit
opinions, or to find out what others use, or anything else....just
information ...please. If you have AOL or access to it, you might want to
read the entire, but very long article. It notes the various professional
engineering associations from whence the data originated. 
The Carbmeister

What's It Worth?
     Are synthetics worth the extra cost? Universally, the answer is yes,
whether for a high-revving turbo motor or an older engine that gets little
use. Using another vivid comparison, French champagne is also worth the
extra expense over sparkling wine, but it comes down to matters of your
taste and bank account. Note, too, that most auto manufacturers do not
specify synthetics, so unless you're one of the few who need synthetic oil,
rest assured that you're doing no harm with good old-fashioned crude as
long as you follow the owner's manual recommendations on viscosity and
grade.
     On the other hand, synthetics are better on a number of levels. They
keep the engine cleaner through improved sludge and varnish protection,
reduce engine wear at high temperatures with more stable viscosity, protect
the engine when it's running under severe conditions at high temperatures,
provide better cold-temperature starts with faster oil flow at ignition and
improve fuel efficiency.