I've been driving the car for 4 months now; the panel filter was one of the first things I did to the car... as mentioned, the performance to be had from a hi-flow panel filter is very good - i think people would only vouch for them if they worked!
During my last dyno tune, we did an experiment with the cover from the air box off (to simulate what a pod would do). The outcome was 5 more rwkw, but think about this... we had a fan aimed straight at the intake, the bonnet was up and it was a "test" environment - there is no way you'll get those conditions on the road.
Keep it legal, keep the air box
And for those who just want induction noise, install a FMIC and your car will come alive.
gR33ddy, where did you get your CAI box from... was it from maxx? He still hasn't replied anyone so I just gave up. The only reason I want one is for RICEY goodness under the bonnet!