Chevota
To answer your question (" why MAF over MAP "), .......simple.
MAP only measures load & airflow, MAF measures the volume of air & temperature of the incoming air.
Cold air being denser than hot air, is therefore calculated into the fuel requirements of the engine, to maintain an optimum air/fuel ratio.
Been running K&N on just about every piece of equipment I've owned in the last 20 years, without any problems, including my 1990 GMC pick-up truck with 400 k miles on it.