Oil udder oil filter draining tool - GIF and video

[desbromilow]

is this just for the oil in the filter housing, or do you drain the entire crankcase worth through this method?
I'm used to dropping the oil from the crankcase via the plug in the bottom of the case, then wrapping a rag around the filter and taking the filter off with hardly any mess. - but I'm also used to wrenching on old Aussie cars, not the more modern stuff.