I recommend that you stick with the schedule in the owner’s manual.
You are completely right in saying that in addition to changes in the oil there are also changes in the manufacturing that enable longer periods between changes. More consistant dimensioning brought on by statistical process control, better materials, and most importantly technologes that allow the engines to run “cleaner”. These improvements mean that on new cars there is less dilution and less contamination due to blowby.
Remember, the goal is to have the engine last as long as possible, not to have the oil last as long as possible.