The term "Meets or exceeds" (a given specification) is a definitive statement. If the product fails any of the referenced specification tests or was not tested, then the statement is not valid and the marketer is misleading the consumer.This term, however, is not the same as "Approved" or "Certified" under or against a given specification or by an OEM. Approved or certified means the product or its data was reviewed or tested by a certifying authority (e.g. API, ILSAC, ACEA) or a manufacturer (e.g. Ford, GM) and formally approved. Such products are usually listed on an approved list or carry a certification mark (e.g. API Donut, API Starburst, GM dexos1)."Recommended for", "Suitable for", "Meets the performance requirements of", and "Of the quality of" are usually manufacturer's opinions based on their knowledge of the formulation and specification as opposed to a full analysis against the specification. These terms are not definitive, and one would be wise to assume that not all of the specifications tests were actually run and passed. If all of the tests were run and passed, a clearer, more definitive statement could have and should have been made. This doesn't mean the product is bad, only that it may vary from the formal specification in some way, good or bad. For example, if a little more ZDDP is added to boost anti-wear properties, the oil will fail the SN specification but may have better performance in some respects. However, if the manufacturer does not explain the specification variance, I would be suspicious of their suitability claim.TomNJ/VA
