I've been seeing a commercial on TV lately about a paint that is also a primer, as it does both jobs. When comparing the final result of this product against a primer coat alone, then of course the primer/paint will win. Likewise, if it was compared to a top coat alone, I'm sure it will be more resistant to peeling, etc. But does it really stand up to a full primer coat followed by a top coat? Yes it is easier & cheaper, but does it have better end results?
I somehow get the feeling this comparison is similar. Comparing an all-in-one product like DG against the base nutes of AN alone doesn't really prove anything as far as effectiveness of any particular line of nutes. Who is going to spend the money on AN base nutes only and not spend the extra on the extras, or would even use a base nute alone? This is true of AN, GH, FF, Humbolt, etc. etc. Even DG has ProTek added.
What prefer seeing is full line against full line. If one line has a dozen bottles and the other line only has two bottles, then so be it as that would be more of a real world test of one line against another. Or at least base nutes only, and not use one line's extra on both sides and call it fair, although I'd lay money DG would still whup AN's butt in that case. I don't think anyone would argue with the results you are obtaining, as everyone agrees the AN primer coat alone is not sufficient to paint that wall. I'm not trying to take sides here, just trying to make an observation. Sometimes paying more does pay off. If this were not the case, we'd all be using generic brand Miracle Grow from Wal-Mart. It is up to the individual grower to determine if the increase in yield/potency/whatever is worth the additional cost.
FWIW, I'm a GH 3-part user and am actually considering DG, which is why I'd rather see different parameters for this test. As we all know, the only TRUE test will be when I try it for myself! My personal grow journals from years past are the only "forums" I place 99% confidence in (nothing is absolute). I don't have problems when people bash AN, but it would be more credible if the results were not pre-determined.