Interesting video explaining why newer engines burn more oil. Kinda makes sense.
I think the randomness of it comes down to the fact that rings aren't hand matched anymore or something to that effect. In the 90s 350s supposedly had the rings matched to the bore as well as pistons and then that went away once nbs came about because it was a lot of extra work in production. At least that's what I read somewhere I think. In an ideal world that won't make a difference but there is the potential for a little difference in fit. I also believe that the hd truck engines (6.2 and 6.0) as well as perhaps the corvette engine do still have that step? I haven't had any burn issues in the sierra with the 6.0 and I know they tweak those a little different then the regular since it's expected to be in fleet service. Or I'm just totally wrong.