Many run it for confirmation that itnindeed can go what the manufacturer says. In regards to the 30k severe, you would only see 1 change before the powertrain warranty is over. I know we are talking aboit PTU but as an example, many do not follow the IOLM, they still have it stuck in their head thatb3k or 5k pil changes are needed. So an analysis in this case will show whether the IOLM is sufficient and not needed early. It is about piece of mind. I wont run them on my new PTU but I will be changing the fluid once a year (about 20k) till we sell the Explorer in the next 3 years or so.
Knowing what I know now about the Explorer, if I were to buy a new one, I would probably have the PTU drained/filled at delivery just to be safe. Then I'd probably just do it annually thereafter. As it is, I am probably going to do both of mine annually just because the cost is almost nothing - about $10 and an hour or two of time.
I'm not big on the IOLMs as they are just an algorithm. I know a folks don't follow other manufacturers, but GM changed their algorithm in 2013 to shorten the OCI -
Oil Life Monitoring System | Markquart Motors | Eau Claire
OLM re-calibrated for 2013
With the introduction of the 2013 models (including Equinox, Cruze, Silverado, Acadia, Terrain, and Verano) GM has re-calibrated their system to include a mileage parameter. It works just like it did before but when the vehicle has gone 5000 miles since the previous oil change the system jumps from whatever the percentage was to 20% oil life remaining. GM did not get specific on why they made this change but it can be inferred that they have determined that the longer oil change intervals must have had a negative impact on long term engine performance and customer satisfaction.
I am one of the people that still stick with 4-5K oil changes - not because it is stuck in my head, but mostly because it allows me to time my oil changes when it's convenient for me, it allows me to get under the vehicle and inspect more frequently to look out for other issues, and because in the 30+ years I've been changing oil at 4-5K, I've never had any fluid related failures on any vehicle. I don't personally need a fluid analysis for piece of mind - I just look at the fluids, inspect filters, and learned what to watch for over the years. Plus, I live and work in the same city and my vehicle usage habits trend more toward short trips (5-10 miles) and more cycles per day (2-4 trips per day), rather than longer highway trips, less times per day/week.
I've also said before, there are articles that suggest the trend towards longer and longer change intervals on fluids have been driven as much or more by environmental factors - the longer one goes between changes, the less changes and waste (hazardous materials) is generated that need to be disposed of/recycled. Another big factor is service revenue - shops make less money when a vehicle comes in every 10-12K miles vs every 4-6K miles.
I personally see little value in paying for regular fluid analysis for the average person, unless they are really worried about something and they want to watch for it (coolant in oil, bearing failure, whatever). Otherwise, the information is merely interesting, but irrelevant , in the same way as if we all went out and took blood tests and then posted the results for comparison with each other. It is probably better for people to spend their money on more maintenance or an esp, rather than fluid analysis, but what do I know. I spend $10K a year on cigars and ammunition, so one should do whatever makes one happy.