Well, finally pulled the carbon filter about 3 hours ago. Took some smaller hands (thanks to the wife) to pull screw #7 but did finally get it.
Took it for a spin and I definitely agree on the responsiveness being better.
I can especially tell it when the engine is still cold and you are pulling out. It always felt a bit sluggish at that time, but now it feels much better.
The slight increase in intake sound is pleasant and not annoying.
Filter thickness and material looks like something that would be in my cat's water fountain to filter out water. Too thick to see window light and a direct hit from a flash light only result in 'light spot'.
Thank you California for extending your over regulation onto us...
Just to contribute: I have the block off plates in the airboxes and I had a production start date of September 12.