This may or may not apply, but the way VW does it is to watch the mass airflow sensor as it opens the EGR valve. If the airflow across the MAF does not decrease appropriately, then the computer sets a code and lights the check engine light. This would be very difficult, although not impossible, to overcome.

The EGR itself is not a huge problem until you combine it with CCV. Vent the crankcase vapors to the atmosphere, or else use a really good oil separator, and you end up with dry soot flowing through the intake and very little of it sticks. That solves the problem of gunking up the intake manifold.

Big Brother, yes indeedy. It took me 2 cans of carb cleaner, a quart of mineral spirits, 2 rolls of paper towels, several pair of gloves, and a set of Tyvek coveralls to clean my Jetta's intake manifold. Balance that agains the maybe 1 qt of oil I would have vented to the atmosphere with the CCV disabled.

__________________
Rick Miley
2014 Tesla Model S
2018 Tesla Model 3
2017 Nissan LEAF
Former MB: 99 E300, 86 190E 2.3, 87 300E, 80 240D, 82 204D Euro
Chain Elongation References