Mac, like many situations discussed here, luck is always a common factor. Sometimes it's good luck, sometimes it's bad luck.
You and yours have been lucky.
Fact: Botulism is only killed by temperatures over 240ºF (116ºC). Foods preserved by the water bath method only reach 212ºF (100ºC).
"Because we've always done it that way" is not a rational explanation of why something shouldn't be changed for a good reason. Exposing yourself and your family and friends to a paralytic poisoning that has a 70% death rate if untreated (think: during a disaster) doesn't make sense when you know better.
Anything that involves the term "mechanical ventilation" should be avoided, IMO.
Sue