Roger
The SLTC has a sister organisation in the USA called the ALCA (American Leather Chemists Association) which has a forum that you have appeared on a couple of times.
When asked about re fatliquoring part of their response was
'.........the fatliquors in the leather are covering all the leather fibres making it soft and will remain there for all the useful life of the goods'
and in response to a question about 'conditioning' this was the response
'First there is an issue with jargon here. Conditioning to a tanner normally means moisture control, which can be very critical to fit with leather since moisture tends to expand leather, thus too much moisture and then the piece may dry too small after sewn in place, or conversely a dry piece sewn into place may turn out to be loose and wrinkled when it absorbs moisture from the air.
'....The use of "conditioners" is a whole empty and useless topic just as you note. Especially with upholstery with a tough finish coat. That is why plastic conditioner is the same as leather conditioner in many of the marketing games. Even though oils and a small amount of moisture are good for leather over time, it can not be delivered in any real sense through these finishes.
Also, as you have noted, this junk is mostly water and little active, useful ingredient. ..............(they have) been found to be nearly all water and little else, but very successfully marketed.
Generally leather loses moisture and lubrication over long periods of time and heavy use, so the treatment would be of value only to replenish lost fatliquor and moisture from baking and rubbing over long periods. Consequently, new leather, stored and handled properly, would only be over treated with conditioner resulting in staining, over sizing, even removal or dilution of fungicides, etc. with treatment......'
and they also pointed out that
'......as we can see from those who have something to sell, they can be very persuasive, using facts to make a great case while completely ignoring meaningful points such as the fact that it does nothing.....'
and in response to your own post about your products they stated
'Roger, I am impressed with your presentation and enthusiasm though I certainly have clearly stated opposing positions....'
Our opinions will be presented to the SLTC conference this year