They have the ebay spacer to prevent hydrolock!

 

Althought yea, it is ricey and really not all tha beneficial, it is possible they live in the desert. But even if not, say they hit a large puddle and 75% of it is filled with water, as long as he isn't flooring it, air will go path of least resistance, and not that much water will get sucked into it, but air will still go through where it is open. And the small bit of water that does go through has to now travel up probably 6" to get to the TB. Sure if it is 100% submerged and the engine is like a pump, it will suck in water quicker than quick. But if it isn't a fully out water pump, it is going to have a hard time sucking a few ml of water up a pipe, when there is plently of air to suck. Put a straw in a drink and drink it, it doesn't take much vacuum, but put a hole 10% the size of the opening in that staw and you will never get any liquid in your mouth.