In fact, that VCF format does use `\` escapes ([https://samtools.github.io/hts-specs/VCFv4.3.pdf)](https://samtools.github.io/hts-specs/VCFv4.3.pdf\)). So, basically all the above code examples are indeed wrong, and @Araq's advice is the right general advice (I did say they should probably learn).
That said, I also still think there are many situations both quick & dirty and otherwise where simple splitting makes sense and is not wrong. Why else provide it in `strutils`?
