As noted many times in the past, new filters don't filter as well as used ones. The variation in sizes of the gaps in the media becomes more uniform and smaller as they begin to filter. There's obviously a trade-off that has to be achieved but changing the filter too often may actually increase wear since particulates get through the filter more often. That's why I said that using a scientific approach to determining the proper oil change schedule is more appropriate than a gut feel or visual "analysis".

Break down and get your oil analyzed. There's been quite a bit posted lately by Road Rage that even points out the extra problems in handling (or not) used oil and the overall consumption caused to too frequent changes. The articles he's pointed to show that Europe has much longer oil changes with no detriment to the engines - it's a U.S. phenomena that tells you to change your oil so often. And it's fueled by guess who? Yeah, the oil companies...