"Fuel filters actually filter better when they start to plug up, removing smaller and smaller particles up until the point they will not pass the molecules of fuel. "

Right on

There are spare filters, proper size open end wrench and rubber gloves in the trunks of my cars. My daughter called from the city a couple months ago describing the symptoms of a plugged fuel filter. She had no trouble dealing with it and didnt even get her hands dirty. I remember once having a vacuum gauge in the wheel house of a tug to monitor the condition of the fuel filters. (vac monitered between the filters and engine) When the needle got into the red, time to change filters.

Steve