986 vs 987 MAF tube

[NewArt]

Sorry to start a new thread, but the 986 vs 987 air box thread is getting a bit leggy at 15 pages!
987 v 986 Air box
My question here really concerns the MAF tube and the MAF itself. So far, I've picked up a 74mm TB and have a line on either a 987 air box with, or another 987 air box without the 987 MAF tube. The difference in price is not that great but the question is: is it preferable to install the 987 tube and MAF which, I presume, would require a tune or jerry-rig the 986 tube with it's inherent restrictions (no tune required) into the line?