Oil breakdown

[jamiemirror]

If you change oil frequently - the mineral one will work fine. About consumption - this is mechanical problem. Change rings, valve stem rubbers, gaskets - and then you will not get problems with oil consumption.
If you drive hard - the engine will consume more oil - mineral, synthetic - no matter. If you use incorrect viscosity oil - the engine may failure (if the upper viscosity number is too low). If the oil is too old - the engine will failure too (mineral oil lose lubrication characteristics earlier than synthetic one). If the oil is too hot - the engine will failure too.
So, this is complex. If you drive moderate, change oil frequently and use adequate viscosity - no problem even with mineral oils with no oil consumption overall. They can use either synthetic oils - no problem. Sport style drivers must use bigger oil cooler, use more expensive synthetic oils (which lose lubrication characteristics slower than mineral oils) and keep an eye on oil level - they may have increased oil consumption due to driving style (at least).

Just my 2c.