Mark, that sounds like an interesting test of raw resolution.
I am a little confused about your "comparison letters measured to replicate MOA" statement. Does that mean you were looking at letters that subtended 1 MOA?
Keep in mind that evaluating resolution on a high contrast target is but one factor to consider when selecting a binocular. Indeed most 8x or 10x binoculars in functional shape and of reasonable quality are capable of resolving to the limits of human vision at the center of the field. If that is your goal, than any low-mid range binocular will serve your uses."
Bitterroot Bulls. Yes, more or less you are correct. I'll see if I can scan the math charts we used, unfortunately I don't have the eye charts to share. There were letters on the chart that would fade for contrast comparison and would vary based on distance (or replication of distance). Also we varied light conditions. It was the best test I've ever done with real binos in real conditions. You bring up some great points about birightness etc.
In simple terms we used the scale of 1 MOA = 1" @ 100 yards. (5% error but for simplicity we used this formula)
Number of MOA = height in inches/ range in yards/100
Height in inches = number MOA (range in yards/100)
Assume 36 MOA @ 100 yards 36"=3'=1 yard
36 MOA @ 1000 yards = 360"=30'=10 yards
Anyhow.....I thought it was an interesting way to breakdown the sometimes cryptic measurements the bino manufactures give when stating performance. You've got the level the playing field when comparing stats or it's just garble. Ultimately, the best test is what looks best to the user!