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Lot of misleading info flying around here. A few notes:
1. Top tier gas vs. Lower detergent gas makes no difference on valve deposit build up in direct injection cars because the problem is that no gas vapor hits the backside of the valves (or not enough at least).
2. Detergents are mainly interested in maintaining high performing injectors so that combustion remains efficient. However, injector performance is much more a function of design, build quality, fuel filtration, and other elements than about fuel quality. This is why some cars can run 300,000 miles on original injectors without a problem while others develop poor injection by 100,000 miles.
3. Low quality gas is not a big deal because there are reasonable, minimum quality standards in place for all gas. If you are paranoid, run an additive every 3,000-5,000 miles - however, know that that is against manufacturer recommendations in most cases.
4. Cars can adjust to different octane levels to a very modest degree. However, they can't infinitely adjust. Maintaining a good octane is important, even in today's vehicles. Conversely, you can't run e50 in a stock car (which will have a much higher octane) and expect a good result.
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