My reply would be that you're correct that many, many engines have been produced and run this oil. However, you are part of a forum where people appreciate their rigs and want to do what's best for longevity and eliminate potential costly repairs due to ignorant govt influence.
The basic facts are that engines that used to last over 400k with factory 5w-30 don't exist anymore - due to multiple factors, but too thin of oil being one of them. Sure, your 5.3L will last the 100k warranty and probably a bit more with the bare minimum that GM says is necessary. What you don't hear is the tons of stories why people ditched a vehicle due to engine issues and didn't blab it on a forum. Or that they were afraid of costy repairs and traded it in.
0w-20 has proven to work, but I wouldn't bet any long term ownership on it going by the prescribed maintenance schedule. How many 2015 and newer trucks / suvs do you hear of with over 250, 300, or 400k on the original powetrain? Not many as far as I can see.
It's planned obsolescence in the name of fuel economy and 'protecting the consumer'.
Ultimately, to answer your initial question of "when will this end". It's purely up to you, the owner, how you want to maintain your vehicle. If 0w-20 is your gig, then do it. Most people on here who support otherwise may have different life experiences that provide them with different feedback/knowledge that they choose to go by.......Me being one of them.
