think about it - the lowest point for oil is the bottom of the oil pan, that is where the dipstick goes to. the extraction tube is through the dipstick tube so it can reach the bottom of it all the way. for the drain plug, no matter it is mounted on side, 45 degree corner or the buttom, because of the seal/washer, the lowest rim on the drain the wasted oil can go over is always higher than the oil pan buttom, you will not be able to drain 100% after remove the plug. in that sense, the vacuum may extract just as much as by removing the drain plug, if not more.