[MAG]

You are correct that the pipe cleaners were blocking the oil supply to the rear main. And evidently they were installed in an attempt to stop the oil leak. My suggestion would be to remove the pan and check to see that the rear main oil drain pipe is intact anf not plugged. There could be other sources for the leak such as the gasket between the engine block and the flywheel housing. But, start with the more simple things first.