Ford engines with the word ECO in them are shite, especially those with a timing belt that runs in oil, "Yes" what an idea that was, a lot of garages won't touch them.
You're right about the timing belt running in oil on Ecoblue diesel engines. But apparently the main reason the belts fail isn't simply because they run in oil. Ford were doing that approx 20yrs ago on their 1.8 diesel engine with no issues. But that was before the days of the dreaded DPF's!
The belts snap now primarily because of diesel getting into the oil during DPF regens. Then that fuel/oil mixture gradually rots the belt. Also the Ford recommend oil change interval is 2yrs or 20,000 miles on the 2.0 Ecoblue. Obviously that increases the chance of lots of diesel getting into the oil over such an extended period
I assume the 2yr service intervals are to encourage fleet managers of commercial (van)users/company car drivers? Who don't own the vehicle. Consequently they are far less likely to check stuff like the oil & water levels.
That adds the perfect storm to what is already a stupid idea. Why not fit a timing chain?
My Ford uses this stupid set up. So as a precaution, whenever I do an oil change I refill the engine to exactly the full mark on the dipstick. Then check the oil level once a month. If it's even 0.5mm above the full mark (it hasn't ever been so far) I'd change the oil & filter immediately. I also do an annual oil & filter change regardless of the miles covered. This year that was less than 1000. But it's very cheap preventative maintenance.
All that DPF boll#x is in the name of saving the planet. Whilst the likes of China & India etc continue to pollute it on a massive scale!
