shifting usage of "want"

In Dutch, the conjunction "want" (because; French "car", not "parce que")
is undergoing a shift in usage.

The original usage is something like:

Hij kon niet komen, want hij was ziek.
He couldn't come, because he was ill.

In which "want" is clearly a conjunction.

Lately the following usage is observed (but still considered
wrong by some/many):

De kast heeft op zolder gestaan,
  want niet groot genoeg voor onze behoeften.
The cupboard stood in the attic,
  because not big enough for our needs.

De haring is meer dan niet lekker, want bedorven.
The herring is more than not tasty, because spoiled.

Deze snoepjes zijn erg gezond, want met vitamine C.
These sweets are very healthy, because with vitamin C.


What I'm wondering:

Can "want" still be called a conjunction in sentences like these?
Is this kind of usage observed in other languages (nat- or con-)?

Thanks,

René