>>I wasn't aware it was such a pain to remove the engine grills.<<
The biggest pain for me was after 45 minutes to get the grill off(15 minutes 2nd time) - I still wasn't able to pull the 'snork' off. As far as I know, I am the only one who has been totally unsuccessful at this. And no, I am NOT mechanically inept. The trick to getting the grill off is to discover the right place and direction to pull.
>> Does desnorkling have any downsides? Warranty problems or more dust particles getting in perhaps? <<
Warrantee - I suppose if you sucked a cigarette butt into the air intake they might not replace your air filter for free. Any particles that get past the snork should be trapped in the filter. My biggest fear was that water could be sucked into the filter without the little cup at the end of the intake trumpet. This must not be a real concern since on the 04 Porsche removed the little cup. This added a little sound to the intake, so apparently even this part was a sound baffle.
>>Do alot of boxster owners desnork?<<
This was very popular on PPBB about 1-2 years ago. At the time noone reported a problem except some folks thought it made the car too loud under full throttle. I haven't been back to PPBB for a year(way too much time keeping up with the messages), so I don't know the current popularity.
Since it is a no cost modification that enhances sound, it seems like you might try it and see if you like it.
>>I think my plan so far is to get a BMC-1 flat filter that goes into the oem airbox and replaces the oem filter. It's supposed to be a real nice oem replacement filter, or so I hear on the boxster racing board. << I trust the Boxster Racing Board's experience.
If you are going to replace the muffler, the GHL is IMO the best looking, the lightest weight, and has a sound that those who like more noise enjoy.
http://www.rernetworking.com/boxter.jpg