A decent sized zip tie usually works well for me to "get around the corner".
I remember when the quick drain thing was first introduced and that was all that we were supposed to do. Well, after the first couple years it was obvious that there could be (and was) blockages. I don't recall when subsequent info was provided, but honestly, I never worried about what was in a book as that is generally considered the bare minimum and mechanics will have figured out better/more reliable methods over the years from experience.
It's not uncommon for new information to come out that replaces old info and says something like "follow these new instructions or else we're not responsible"
The drain DOES work... as long as there's no blockages... and that's the part that takes a little more thinking "to be sure". I'm glad they covered your repair, though! 
