I agree with you on specs. They are published and are required to be met. They also can be exceeded.
I never implied that Toyota or any other manufacturer for that matter could not make a great brake, shock, etc. It just isn't economically feasible to do so from a business stand point, so they don't.
Most all, if not all of us here more than likely can see that application in our own work industry. There are certain things, trades, sub work, products, services that is contracted out. Not because it can't be done, just that to spool up to take care of that task is not a smart business decision. Specialized companies do just that; specialized work...and they are, if successful, better at it than most.
Sure there are marketing ploys, but the fact that pure synthetic is superior to non synthetic is undeniable. Bottom line...it's superior. Whether you need it or not is a separate subject altogether and those willing to pay to put in a superior product do so. Would the oem stuff do the job for what they are using it for? Maybe? Maybe not?
Guys do mods on their cruisers that may or may not be needed. The oem way might still have been sufficient in certain situations, but the fact that it is actually superior and gives them more leeway in terms of performance, whatever that may be, is worth the price and peace of mind.