> am i incorrect in my opinion that a diesel motor relies on oil performance more than a gas version does?

My understanding is that diesels are more demanding than gasoline engines, primarily due to soot contamination of the oil. The newer diesels may not have as much of a soot issue, but I suspect it is still one of the main limiting factors for oil in diesels.

Effect of diesel soot contaminated oil on engine wear

Dodge Cummins Oil Change - Diesel World Magazine