I did extensive research on oil and filter (do not call it waste of time).  If you do not have a brand preference, I will use Walmart oil filter and walmart oil.  Walmart goes to the supplier and gets what it needs at the price it wants.  I use Walmart filter and Walmart synthetic oil with 4 K mile changes (Use thinnest oil possible).  If oil meets SM requirement it is OK, and there is no use putting 7K mile filter for 4K mile oil change.  If you have brand preference then stick with it, you do not have to explain it to any one, just do it, life is too short to analyze every thing.

Avinash