Is the proof in the oil?

[6872xtc]

I've heard some people swear by some synthetic oils, but does any body know if you get the protection some claim? I lost the cam on my 454 last year and was told by a Royal Purple rep that if I'd had there oil in it, they would have covered it. Could it be a sales angle or has anyone noticed differences going to synthetics? I'm really curious how to take care of my engines, but always believed use anything but Pennzoil and change it regularly.