I would never rely on any rifle scope to make critical age or size decisions.. I have literally spent hours watching a. And of mature Stones sheep with a 60x Swarovski spotting scope before deciding which ram to take after passing 26 other full curl rams. I can't even imagine making that decision with any rifle scope.
A spotter is nice, but think about the number of hunters that never actually carry or use a spotter? I have a set of 10x binos, but I use my scope the majority of the time here because I am in an elevated blind. I am planning on ordering a set of 12 or 15x binoculars after the first of the year.
I listened to a couple of different podcasts where they mentioned that in first light/last light situations that there was not enough discernable difference in glass, Leupold, Nightforce, Kahles, S&B, Zeiss and a few others, that a shot couldn't made. Then they brought up a couple of scenarios where people chose optics with too much magnification that further hampered abilities and opportunities. Both podcasts said the majority of people would be better capping their power at 18x.
I myself love good glass, but good glass is useless if the optic is not reliable. I am migrating my opinion from top tier glass.
I saw Greg's video on Instagram of the deer at 1250yds on thru the TT 7 - 35x56mm, for me, the mirage made that shot impossible for me, I wouldn't have personally been able to make it. I know it was strictly an observation video, my mind went to the could I, would I or should I even try.
I understand holding manufactures to the standards they preach about, I understand why Form does these test, I understand the scrutiny he endures because of these test and I appreciate it the sentiment. I see the value but I just honestly believe that there has to be a method that will accomplish the same outcomes without the scrutiny. The parameters and then modifying the method slightly are what contribute to people dismissing them.
As a community, we should expect more from those that make claims an do not back up those claims.