Do you know if these engines still get the pcv problem then??
No idea, sorry.
Yes they do sadly.
Not as commom as the mk5 as its an improved system but they are starting to crop up on some of the cars.
If you do a search for my 'oil leak' thread it explains it there.
As for the engine strength yes its stronger as I have the design info documents about the engine in them they compare them to the mk5 engine and explain why and the difference.
The ed35 used the engine it did as it was already a production engine, tooled for and already produced for the
S3 and cupra so was also type approved (a long very long and expensive process) . A simple parts bin special made sense.
The new s3 is a derivative of the ea888 but is advanced again, you can read about.that engines design on Audi.co.UK website.