mblouir
I need a hobby.
This all being said, intakes (as well as exhausts) are a matter of personal preference, just taking off the stock tube takes off a lot of restriction. Realistically, the differences between intakes (ie. open vs. open and closed vs. closed) will be minimal. One thing I do encourage anyone who purchases an aftermarket unit to do, is check the fitment every couple hundred miles, these things find a way to wiggle loose and can cause a drop in performance as well as MPG.
Yep there is a modification a lot of F-150 guys do called the "Gotts Mod". It's very similar to what you describe.
One thing you may want to add is that it's always best to get a custom tune to fully take advantage of the CAI and maximize its peformance. Not sure about other trucks but '04-'05 F150s often have problems running lean straight from the factory. Adding a CAI to that without tuning for it is asking for problems.
Nice post!