Adam,
The lower the number the better. I do know that high ash content tends to create more sludge build up over time so it's definitely a number to pay attention to, especially if you extend your oil change intervals.
I don't see Brad Penn on that list, and I know that is also an excellent oil with low ash and good pour qualities.
I'm with ya on the temp thing. I used to live in Cinci so below zero temps during winter were common and not much temp change during the day didn't help either.
Here in the upper elevations of Arizona now and the really cold winter nights are only in the teens for a short couple weeks (day time winter temps 50-60). So most of the time I don't have to worry about super cold mornings. Right now it's 36 outside and they are forcasting a high of 72 today. Very big temp swings out here in the desert. So I pay attention to oils with good cold start properties as well as high temp operation that I can run year round, since winter is very short here (the cold winter temps are pretty much over for us now and trees are starting to bud) Summers are 100+ degrees and the nights drop to 60-ish.
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