I take it you use non synthetic oil.

I use Full syn and change it when it gets dirty, and thats usually about when the oil monitor says to for me. its all how you drive, if your a lead foot then yes the oil will get dirty much quicker. I get about 10-12,000 mi. out of my full syn & I drive it like a baby 95% of the time.

 

I agree, that's basically what I do with great results. I think as time goes on the "3000 mile oil change" will be revealed more as a marketing tactic for the quick change oil places to guarantee a constant revenue stream by indoctrinating their customers for the "need" to change their oil so often.
With advancements in oil technology in the past decade, it does a better job at lubrication and suspending contaminants. Add a good oil filter and you have a winning combination. Notice in most owners manuals, the recommended oil change interval is more than 3000 miles, even in some severe driving circumstances.
With the resolve to be less dependent on foreign oil and oil in general, I'm surprised the government isn't doing more to drive home the fact that by extending the interval of your oil changes by using a quality oil and filter, or by using synthetic oils we lessen our dependence on this item. Also with less oil being consumed, there is less oil that will need to be handled in an environmentally safe manner afterward by recycling, making it safer for the environment.