Yes, Jack at the smog shop was giving you some bad info there.
But all the info you're getting so far on the list here is correct.
The PCV valve can be seen to the left of the "32" on the valve cover.
That big Intake Air Connector Pipe (IACP) is indeed one big plastic piece.
The thin (~1/2" OD) black hose that comes forwards and then returns next to it goes down to the infamous idle-up valve on the PS pump.
The thicker black hose running from left to right goes from the IACP to the Idle Speed Control Valve or Idle Air Control Valve.
On my '91, those thin hoses to the PS idle-up valve had become so brittle that one of them cracked and I figured I should replace them both. When I removed the one from that plastic barb sticking out from the IACP, the barb broke off with it. It looks to me that this is what happened to your car as well, and the zip tie sort of holds it in place. It's not a big deal to have a slight crack there - it's just that a slight amount of air will come in that is not filtered or measured. Should have no effect on engine performance.
But I fixed mine anyway - here's how: I bought a segment of straight 1/4" OD (I think) hard brake line at Pep Boys for like $5. Cut a ~1.5" length off one end (it has a slight flare on the end to keep the fitting on). Remove the fitting, keeping the 1.5" end length. Drilled a hole in the IACP where the barb used to be (slightly enlarging the hole that is already there), sizing it so this brake line end is a snug, almost press-fit (the flared end is sticking out). Put the vacuum hose over the new barb, hose clamp it on there, and it's good as new.
If you decide to fix it like this, just so the smog guys can't ding you for it, and you haven't already done it, replacing those vacuum lines with new ones is probably a good idea. I think I used 7/32" ID hose (generic, like $5 for 6 feet of it).
You nailed it. That's exactly what happened to mine when I was replacing the spark plugs a couple years ago and I've been having to place a zip ties or paper clips to prevent it from leaking.
I like that idea you presented. Don't feel too justified to buy a $250 part where a simple fix for the IACP can be done for less than $20.