on the same sized MAF diameter CFM wouldnt matter, thats the point of a MAF, to adjust fueling based on airflow. Also, the only way to be running rich is to have a MAF curve for a larger intake on a car with a smaller intake. For example, a car tuned for a 4" MAF diamter and only running a 3.5" intake would be running rich... incredibly rich. So the only way for that to make sense would mean the CF unit is in fact smaller than the plastic version. NOT pointing fingers here, just explaining some reasoning is all
My mother and i both had Air Raid CAI's on our m6 '13 5.0's and when i took my calipers to them there was almost like a 7-10mm difference... they were noticeibly not the same size. I'm not sure if Air Raid made two different versions (remember, the "no tune required" just has a MAF slot that reduces the diameter) and its just not common knowledge?
Speaking from experience?
Sorry. I'm not sure what you're asking. I think you wanted to know if I'd also received a similar explanation from AED in the past, and I haven't (I'm running a tune from a different company).