VHawk -
Good luck with the testing - the results will be of some interest but I agree with Todd that hook strength is only part of the equation. Even in terms of hook strength such factors as brittleness or springness can negate over all strength. One of the worst hooks I ever used had many characteristics that one would look for in a hook but so brittle that fishiing them was an excerise in futility .

I found in terms of converting bites to fish to hand the strength of the hook ranks pretty far down the list of factors that are effecting my success rate. In the course of a year I very rarely stengthen a hook but miss lots of strikes and loss a fair number of fish. If a fine wire hook allows me to hook more fish or a hook with a more friendly fish holding shape reduces my lost rate either hook would likely out perform (in terms of fish to hand) a hook that never bends out.

As Todd points out the best "tests" for those factors are on water tests. I have too have tried a wide number of hook makes and styles usually in side by side test with a fishing partner or keeping track of "successes". As a result have developed some strong opinions on the "best" hook. The "best hook" changes quite a bit depending on the target species as well fishing method. A hook that preforms will for light line mooching may not be the best choice for heavy dute downrigger fishing.

I'm with you that have additional knowledge upon which to make gear choices is always a good thing. While the trust angler's expert opinion is always valuable sometimes our personal needs dictate a different option.

Tight lines
Curt