This "debate" has been ongoing for over three decades now with such as the linked editorial above presented by both sides, each side often having it's own blatant bias, even an agenda. I would
not recommend basing a decision on any single editorial or assertions made by any merchants/retailers - rather that if you are interested in alternative ratios to do your own investigation, utilizing the direct experience of those that have actually tried such ratios and their long-term results via this forum and/or simply discussing the topic with more than one local small engine mechanic (also to help eliminate product bias & preconception).
While this article does address some commonplace misconceptions, the inferred pretext of "lean oil ratios/synthetics are bad" conveyed by linking this article is inappropriate as the article itself is based entirely on the erroneous
"your bike is running on the rich side, so you put less oil in the gas to lean it out" and other frankly naive, incorrect assumptions, primarily inexperienced operators trying to "fix" issues with the oil ratio - not the overall effectiveness of advanced synthetics at leaner oil ratios or it's commonplace application.
Adjusting the air/fuel mix via jetting and/or needle clip position to achieve the proper air/fuel ratio and/or to compensate for the leaner synthetic oil ratio is the proper method & is simplicity itself.
"Many dirt bikers are mixing their gas at ratios as high as 75 to l, or even 100 to 1 with the new generation oils, in the belief that their bike will put out the most horsepower at a higher ratio."
A leaner oil/fuel ratio is more combustible than a richer one - but unless the mix is extreme the difference is marginal and this isn't why experienced operators run a leaner oil mix.
"Riders who foul plugs all the time, are putting less oil in their gas/oil mix, in the belief that the oil is fouling the plugs, and many racers are trying to solve “too rich, too lean” problems by changing the gas/oil mix instead of the jetting."
This is also addressing a common misdiagnosis made by some - however you can "foul" with an excessively rich oil mixture as it will lead to heavy carbon buildup & unspent oil residue, this is another example of the two different "rich" states, fuel rich vs oil rich, exampled by
"If you do foul plugs, it is more than likely caused by poor jetting, not a bit too much oil." - a rich fuel state tends to leave dark dry deposits & a rich oil state tends to leave black greasy deposits - knowing the difference is essential to a proper tuning.
"Actually, you can get more horsepower out of a two-stroke engine with enough extra oil in the gas, because the oil provides a better ring seal and, therefore, more compression.
The seal of the piston is critical. If you remove the lubricants from the gas, the viscosity of the mixture becomes lighter and more prone to vaporization. With a lean mixture, there is less oil to seal the rings. The sealing of the rings has more to do with the performance of the engine than the possibility of having better-burning gas with an ultra-lean gas/oil ratio."
While somewhat true this is again an example slanted through misrepresentation, by omission and extremes - an "ultra-lean" gas/oil ratio may not provide an adequate oil seal IF the oil isn't formulated for that ratio as well as the obvious - that if you're dependent on a heavy oil mixture to achieve the proper compression ratio your rings are worn and should be replaced. The variance is easily established by a compression check, as is adjusting your oil ratio to compensate or repairing your engine if necessary.
"There are a few good reasons to run a fuel/oil mix at ultra thin ratios in a two stroke. High ratios such as 100 to 1 are usually environmental reasons"
More omissions - other more predominant reasons include equal or greater lubrication and lowering operating temperatures, reduced oil fouling, a reduction of deposits in the combustion chamber and exhaust system, lessened to no visible smoke, compatibility with ethanol fuels & my personal favorite - simply having to use/purchase less oil.
"Our advice then, is to buy a quality oil and run it at a moderate ratio."
This I believe was the underlying point of the article, that
if you're unfamiliar with the basics of tuning and diagnostics to not rely on oil ratios to "fix" problems for you, that if you're inexperienced - it is simpler, even safer to simply purchase a quality oil and mix at the "traditional" ratios.
However - if you're familiar enough with basic two stroke tuning, diagnosis & general operation to preform such basic operations as adjusting your fuel/air & oil mixture for optimal preformance there's no reason to not avail yourself of the more advanced, quality synthetic oils and the corresponding leaner mix ratios recommended for your engine's application as so many manufacturers, racing teams & private operators have done for over thirty years now, if you would choose to do so.
If you have any questions regarding the suitability of leaner oil mix ratios in regards to the Chinese two stroke in-frame kits, please do familiarize yourself with this ongoing over fifty page thread and the direct experiences of hundreds of members:
http://motorbicycling.com/showthread.php?t=9850 remembering of course there's quality synthetics other than the popular Opti-2 (such as Amsoil) and as always, if it makes you nervous - just don't do it, run whatever you feel comfortable with.
