tangor - 6:17 pm on Nov 26, 2011 (gmt 0)

In writing, ken_b, the use of all caps to denote a topic or classification is not shouting. Sometimes the current PC aspect of the web, email, and forums interferes with real communication.

And you are absolutely correct that one piece of the readability score (which is clearly indicated in the attached charts containing the words GRADE and GRADE LEVEL) was not included in the example sentences.

The "which is better" is determined by the topic and intended audience.

If writing for academia, a higher score is probably best.
If writing for the general public, a lower score might be better.
If writing for ecommerce, I would think that even lower scores is more efficient.