Yep. Most "synthetic" labelled motor oil is a disappointment. When I decided to go with a guaranteed Group V base oil, selection was narrowed fantastically.
TLDR? (Too Long - Didn't Read) . . . Yeah, I use Widman's work as more of a reference. I always learn something from him, while much of it remains over my head. But, he does cut to the chase periodically:
"Why are there cheap, old technology, group I products in the market?
Because people buy them and these oil companies have equipment
they would otherwise have to write off."