Guys,
I hate to keep typing this. Maybe I'll just put it down as my signature?
The SEUC DOES have a hi-flow air cleaner. But if you REALLY want to go out and spend the $140 (or so), go ahead. That is if you want more engine noise...
yes, the a/c needed to be different because of what is known as "pass-by noise" and yes, it was EPA driven on the NOISE side of things. The open a/c covers with the open backplates caused a honk coming out of the intake when the microphones were put on the bike as it rolled by. With the inner fairing and lowers it reflected engine noise back at the mics.
BUT...the A/C element was designed and flows just as much air as the element set up everyone HAS to have. The other 3 models don't have all that plastic so the sound doesn't reflect back. So there you have it. Spend your money on where you'll get bang for your buck...like more chrome! 
I have a few questions concerning your post.
Is the element you speak of reusable? I don't think so.
With the restrictive backplate how can it flow as much air to the filter then one that is more open?
I'm not going to argue that the element may flow just as much air, because I don't know. However if there air isn't allowed to get to the filter in the first place it can't do as well as one that has a more open backplate and is letting more air get to the filter.
I think a lot of the reason people are changing to the "Roll Your Own A/C" is it allows us to have a reusable filter, and the backplate allows more air to get to the filter which in theory should allow more air to get to the motor. Also most people that are changing to this set up are changing the pipes so the increased noise isn't an issue.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d
