Correct. But it also depends on the sink. Anyway, here's the apparent solution. I went to 3 plumbing supplies today, and finally found a pop-up drain that has side overflow holes that are "square" and "low" enough. Turns out they all differ somewhat(some round, some higher, etc.). (Delta's holes are round and too high, for example) The bottom edge of the side square holes seem to suitably line up with the bottom of the sink, which will be safely just above the rubber gasket/washer. Therefore, not much water or gunk to be caught and get skanky over time. The drain I found has a "K" on the brass and seems to be of solid professional quality.

I found this file http://www.americanstandard-us.com/assets/documents/amstd/parts/Parts_2149.pdf

Mine has a rubber stopper on a chain. I think I like the modern alternatives much better! :) I did see one showroom setup with a wallmount sink (no cabinet so exposed plumbing) and a long lever sticking out from below the sink to engage the popup. I think I like the rubber stopper better than that...

Are you losing the complete emitter or just the top? If you are losing the entire emitter. It should have dirt or rock packed tightly around it. If you are losing just the top. I have fixed the problem by using 1" Pan Head screws. These are screws that have a large head on them. Pre-drill a small hole through the PVC and the emitters top approx 1" below the top of the PVC and through the cap. Make sure that the screws are long enough to go through both the PVC and the cap. To show the approx location to drill and install the screws I have included a pic with a red dot. Install three screws evenly spaced around the emitter to form a triangle. If you try this. Make sure to mark the locations of the springs that keep the emitter closed if it has more than one to keep the screws from interfering with its operation. Bury the emitters top level with the ground.