That's a thousand word essay (all wasted) with 98 different opinions (all based on personal experience).
It's been discussed in the past to avoid the cheapest WIX filters but since then WIX was bought out
by Mann Hummel, so IDK if that still holds true.
The whole "best oil filter" topic has been discussed dozens of times on the forum, try a search of old threads "small large oil filter"
There is a small difference in the pressure relief valve (opening) range between the large Toyota filter and the small current filter which may be ?? why Toyota switched half way through the production run (1FZFE) to the smaller filter. Don't ask what difference it makes because it's negligible, basically one opens, or bypasses, a tad sooner (at a lower pressure) than the other.
Also, any larger filter can hold more dirt than a small filter, but not a major factor for the majority of owners (because not much dirt gets into the oil),
so personal preference.
Keep in mind, the best oil filter is a good air filter (and tight air intake system).
Some people use Magnets on the outside of their oil filters, debatable if it makes any difference, but if you want check out FILTERMAG.
Summit Racing sells a pair of Filtermags (for ~ 360' coverage), which model to order depends on the size of your filter.
Bottom-line: use the correct Toyota filter for your year/model. After that it's your choice, simple as that.
There's nothing else to know but if you want to waste a few hours go to Bob Is the Oil Guy forum and search "Best Oil filter" and you'll get a 98 different opinions.
Or, go to you tube and spend a few hours watching 47 different yahoos tear apart oil filters that tell you nothing about the filter's reliability or efficiency.
