> A quick search for Apple magsafe pvc removal suggests (from Greenpeace's own site) that the change you are commenting on was done in 2009.
Anecdotally, the MagSafe charger that came with my 2008 MacBook is still going strong, but the one that I got with a 2013 MacBook Air is a hot blue mess that I occasionally bring to Apple Stores to try and get replaced.
Anecdotally, the MagSafe charger that came with my 2008 MacBook is still going strong, but the one that I got with a 2013 MacBook Air is a hot blue mess that I occasionally bring to Apple Stores to try and get replaced.