My present home is only 9 years old, but the Kohler pull-out single handle we had performed fine for all that time. It was only last week that the flex hose under the sink for the pull-out started to leak. It was not worth totally disassembling the whole faucet to install a new line that cost at least half of what a new faucet would cost. Now I am smarter, and learned from CR readers too to avoid pull outs. They are not really as handy or flexible as side sprays anyway.
The faucet did well in all other aspects though.
I think any test, other than temp regulation, would be rather limited as a one time thing. Plumbing fails over time, and reliability is not so easy to predict. Especially against just a brand, since there are so many variations from any one mfg.
I would stick with at least a known brand and hopefully one that also has a decent warranty. I think reliability of brands would be where CR could do the most good.
I've heard countless times about Delta being great, I don't doubt they all share similar designs these days, and having more made off shore saves money, if not jobs here. I would not assume some more elite brands are not made in the same places.
So it's a decision everyone has to make for themselves.
Ask a reputable plumber what they would choose, or an experienced hardware sales guy in your neighborhood hardware store. (Everyone has one, I hope)
Other than that, I don't think any you choose will be a bad choice as long as you stick within a few guidelines. We are all smart enough to do some or our own research too. I think for those looking for EZ installs, I understand Peerless has some of the clearest layman instructions and fewest parts to deal with. I have no idea of their long term service life.
Have a great 2012!
http://forums.abcnews.go.com/discussions/Cooking_Tools/_/_/CookingTools/1.37
film0 Community Member 
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