I think you've misinterpreted what that phrase means in most cases. What it implies is why change oils, maintenance schedules, etc., when what you're doing produces excellent results? Why increase your spending levels on oil, parts, etc., when current levels of spending works.
Why not try something different? Why use old technology when there is newer chemicals that outperform that and are far superior to the older oils you are still using?
And I am not spending a penny more on this oil if you calculate the amount of oil it takes at 50:1 with your older regular oil and then the amount it takes with Amsoil at 100:1 and then you compare the cost between the two you will see it really isn't any more expensive at all.
The "good stuff" as you put it is a TC-W3 rated oil, esp. with the age of your outboards. If they're already running perfectly, as you've already stated, what will switching to a more expensive alternative do for you? Make them run more perfect? Just don't see the point, really.....but to each his own.
If you take the amount of oil that regular 50:1 calls for in ounces per gallon and compare that to Amsoil 100:1 ratio it pretty much costs the same amount. I wouldn't say the "Good stuff" is TC-W3 but more so of the minimum rated oil to use with your outboard engine to make it run properly. Why wouldn't anyone want to use an oil that is far superior to an oil that just meets the certification? I don't want borderline oil I want superior oils that will exceed what was recommended a long time ago. And not to say more perfect but more efficient would be better. Less oil less pollution, non fouling of plugs, cooler running engine, less smoke, better lubricity, less wear. After all lubricity or film strength is what it needs to avoid heat and wear of critical componets and that will extend the life of your outboard engine.
Be aware, that 100:1 oil from Amsoil is not TC-W3 rated and is more a synthetic blend, not a pure synthetic as they try to portray it. Hence the very small print: "Contains synthetic lubricant and
petroleum distillates." So, it's not a complete synthetic, but more like all the other synthetic blended oils out there, just not certified by the NMMA. Then again, all their two-stroke oils are the same, not pure synthetics.
Also remember, no Amsoil 2-stroke product is TC-W3 certified. Guess it's so good they don't have to get it certified. But then using an Amsoil product instantly voids a new motor warranty, something that I don't think would be too smart. Not applicable to you, of course, but a very large issue for someone buying new. Just cannot fathom why Amsoil won't get their oils TC-W3 cert'd. If small producers can afford to get their oil(s) certified, certainly Amsoil can afford to do it, too.
According to the Amsoil website using their oil does NOT void a new warranty.
"Using AMSOIL synthetic motor oil has no affect on vehicle warranties. A federal law called the Magnuson-Moss Act (1975) prevents original equipment manufacturers from putting conditions on vehicle warranties attached to any product or service identified by brand, trade or corporate name, unless the manufacturer provides that product or service free of charge. This means consumers have the freedom to use aftermarket products of their choice without fear of losing the original limited or implied vehicle warranty. For additional information, contact AMSOIL Technical Department (715) 399-TECH (8324)."
Link to NMMA's current lists of TC-W3 certified oils on the market....notice not one Amsoil product is listed:
http://www.nmma.org/certification/certification/oil/tc-w3.aspx
Amsoil far exceeds TC-W3 oil so it isn't in the same category
But you spends yer money, you get what you will. I don't see the point using this stuff simply because the oil lasts exactly one burn cycle inside the engine.....and then new oil is put into the cylinder on the next stroke, then burned again. If you feel your perfect running motors, which have probably been using TC-W3 oil(s) without problems, will somehow run better than perfect, then Amsoil is the right choice for you.
It may last one burn cycle in the motor but that oil is still in the motor doing it's job regardless. Take regular motor oil and run it for a season and see how the engine performs and looks inside after hours of use. Have it tested for wear and such. I bet carbon build up and gunk and more wear and who knows what all will happen to that engine. It don't matter about the one cycle because with that one cycle it still has to do certain tasks or your engine won't run period.
For others that have turn-the-key-and-it-starts motors, almost any other TCW-III rated oil will work as well, esp. with our older motors. And also be aware, a month of use is really no indication of quality.....maybe a few seasons, but a month......naaaa.
:facepalm: