Bill_L,
You pretty much got it right. Dodge didn't think much about off-roading the Ram when they designed it, including the Off-Road series.
I'm still running hte stock breathers, and have only had problems with the t-case, but it's only a matter of time...
I've been told you can easily extend the vent lines by using 9/16s fuel line, but I haven't confirmed this.
But running all the lines up to a very high, sheltered spot is about the best you can do. I've been thinking of running them to the top of the bed, bewteen the bed and the cab, as that area tends to stay pretty clean. Then fab up some kind of cover for them, and use a small K&N filter with a water jacket cover to limit dust/water from getting in, just to be safe.