Additional breathers were certainly experimented with, old photos show a pipe connected to where the dipstick is fitted.
On my long-stoke GTL, I have also fitted an additional breather to the dipstick hole. Comprises of a small chamber containing a RGS-type breather baffle with a hose leading to Nirvana, works a treat. Engine definitely spins a little quicker/more freely, but have not noticed any differences on stock dimension engines.
The flat raised casting at the rear of the cases has the same shape and size as the cover for the neutral switch. Perhaps it is a left-over from the experimental/developement stage, just like the 2 unused bosses at the top of the gearbox casing. Or maybe they were retained for future use, who knows?
piet