[roastbeef]

i think you'll be ok, but here are some things to ponder.

heat soak isn't going to be a concern from an engine health standpoint. on a naturally aspirated engine at sea level (i see you're in florida), you're not going to run into problems even on the hottest day. you might not make as much power if the engine retards timing a little, but you won't be knocking. forced induction is another discussion.

i had that same afe intake for a few years. i know the neck that the filter secures to is gloss carbon and it can slip off if you don't tighten it down enough, or try to get it too tight. without the lid, the only thing securing that carbon afe neck is the hose clamp at the plenum. the airbox lid helps secure the neck and reduce vibration. with that neck bouncing around, i'd worry about that filter bouncing off.

dust isn't going to be a major concern, its already exposed to the same dust.