Disrupting/changing the airflow for the MAF can definitely have an impact. When Glenn and I were first working on a restrictor for the LS he made one that we put right in front of the MAF. Car wouldn't rev or pull about about 2,000-2,500.
I just have practical experience-no thermal velocity dynamics theory and it's impact on turbulence in a sphere of tubing. Where's my Bud Light Cody?