I should point out that the PCV system is an evolved system. The first systems were very basic and had a breather much the same as those described in this thread.
However, some of us remember the "breather" element that used to be serviced on the air cleaner as a seperate filter. As you may recall; a car with engine setups where the owner felt the urge to hammer the throttle often had
oil in the air filter and the breather was soaked.
This isn't anything that has not existed before.
Just an additional $0.02