There is no doubt a "better" filter can remove finer particles and maybe for longer periods. But how much does it matter? The spec I've never seen is for the engine - what size contaminants begin to impact service life? Making up numbers here, but let's say a given engine will have a "good" service life with 10 micron particles in the oil. What difference would it make then if the filter was able to remove sub micron sized ones? Certainly it's "better" and who knows, maybe the engine would last significantly longer - but what I see is rather than an intention of increased engine service life, the lubrication improvement margin is used to extend replacement interval. Seems then it becomes a fine line of balancing engine life with maintenance cost but a lot of factors beyond just that would be considered. I go with the practical result, even if the engine doesn't crap out the rest of the car certainly will so there's a point of diminishing return once you hit about a quarter million miles. It's been a long time - decades - since engines wore out from lubrication issues. Even a "poor" filter catches the bigger chunks, after that I'm not sure it really matters. The elephant in the room (in my opinion) is viscosity breakdown (heat, close tolerances) and mitigation of contaminants by additives, so keep the oil fresh and you keep the engine fresh.
Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM