As I pointed out in my post, the MCN article is far from a definitive study it's just interesting data that appears on the surface to follow a reasonably scientific method.
It's my understanding from talking to people in the petro business that the Mobil 1 MC version is just the automotive Mobil 1 without the zinc dialkyldithiophosphate restrictions that are currently mandated in automotive oils. So they didn't really reinvent the oil so much as repackage and reblend the older product with a different label and additve packge, and unfortunately a different price point. While I personally like Mobil 1, I don't see the value in the Mobil 1 motorcycle labeled oil that sells for ~$8/quart.
The simple fact is that it's pretty tough to find a name brand auto or MC oil that WON'T work well in most motorcycle situations. Even the cause and effect relationship between EC oils and clutch failures isn't clear to my satisfaction.
So what conclusions can someone draw from the above?
Mobil 1 automotive SJ rated 15w50 is a high quality oil that will serve you well in most situations, and it's a real bargain compared to the majority of motorcycle specific oils. If you are looking for the absolute highest level of protection because you are road racing, drag racing, or just the nervous type look towards a synthetic oil specifically designed for racing with a zinc content higher than allowed by the SJ rating. In general it seems wise to try and avoid oils with Energy Conserving friction modifiers, but having run these oils in two-stroke gear boxes, I can't say it's a given that EC oil will cause problems.
If you change oil often enough, it's likely that anything short of a full on race engine will survive on even discount Walmart oil.
You pays your money and you takes your choice