about the MAF readings... The engines gonna pull in the same amount of air that it needs, it all depends on how much easier the air gets there...

Just what I would think.

 

And if there is a restriction, it won't get all the air it needs by the time it is ready to shift into the next gear. Take for instance NASCAR, on the super tracks they have to use retricters which limits the carbs to pull only about 400 CFM. They still make 700 some HP, and get up to 190 mph, but it takes longer to get there.