i beg to differ... a K&N filter has way more of a flow rate then say frams paper stuff... if they didnt ..y would fram come out wiht their new air hog. yes it does little to a stock vehical... but once u add on a chip exhaust etc. it really does help. the more air u jam in to the engine the better..and the colder the air..even better. as far as production...they base it on cost! people are going to buy f-150s if they like them. its not a big debate on whether one should buy a chevy dodge toyota nissan or ford just because of their intake and exhaust flow rates. and and amount of money say even $1 on every vehical will save them $100,000's+ in the long run. thats just my two cents