That's why you clean the filter regularly, any filter exposed like that will collect a mess, as far as it not flowing well I'm not sure, but I appreciate the warning if K&N makes garbage filters I'll look into it as any consumer would. I'd go for the cold air but the longer the intake line means it wont be as responsive, and i don't know how well the air filter will do by the bumper cuz i live in NJ and it rains a lot. Thanks for the posts guys.