Interesting analogy... however, not sure it completely flies in this case. The "price=experience" argument is one that definitely has some merit given appropriate circumstances. To this end, I would ask what your qualifications are that makes you a subject matter expert in laminar air flow...
I'd be willing to do it, as well as use my thermal imager to take some good pics showing heart dispersion... but, I'm not spending $90 for what is effectively a $10 hole saw and a 2" round filter.
Would there be a true advantage to go from MHD stage 2 OTS maps? I have a decent investment in MHD (wifi adapter, maps, logging) and would hate to flush it all for something which wouldn't be significantly better.
I went from the R7 to the V1 gen 2... and it's night and day difference. The V1 is SO much quieter around town and the range is unreal. I thought the R7 was awesome... well, the V1g2 is unbelievable.
Nah, it shouldn't be an issue since I'm running the Verus heat shield in addition to the intake itself. The intake has a shield that goes around it and seals against the hood.
Plus, do some checking around the web. TONS of people on the BMW forums and Supra Mk4 use them with no heat soak issues.