If that's the case, a kite with a big hole in the center would still sustain flight.

Your "corn" theory works if you're referencing a scoop with no induction on the other end. But when an engine is sucking air at 4,000 RPM, there is more than adequate draw to prevent the "scoop" from theoretically filling up with air molecules.

If your sink is equipped with a garbage disposal, try this experiment:

Pour a gallon-jug of water into the drain as fast as you can, with the faucet running at the same time. The volume of water will overwhelm the capacity of the drain... UNTIL you turn on the disposal. Suddenly, the water near the neck of the drain is facilitated by the spinning blade, and the water goes whooshing through the drain.

Same thing with our intakes. Air is much more slippery than water, and air molecules WILL compress although solid kernels of corn will not. The kernels stop flowing when the comination of surface area exceeds the surface area of the cross-section of the drain (πr^2). This is known as a blockage.

I've never seen moving air block a duct. Therefore, I would presume that a duct with a TON of draw on it, even at idle, would have ample evacuation of molecules to prevent such a blockage (if one could even exist).

Again, think of the kite. The kite can sustain flight when the net force of air pressing onto the surface area meets or exceeds the constant pull of gravity (-9.82 m/s^2). With a hole in the kite, the net force of the air seeks the opening and willingly condenses, exiting the hole in the kite much more rapidly than when it entered. The only force acting as a draw on the kite's surface is atmospheric pressure. As a result, the air is evacuated from the kite's surface faster than the air can collect, and the kite smashes to the ground as a result.

So, to assume that a 3" pipe (angle-cut to create a scoop 6" in length) would overpower the flow-capability of an equally large 3" pipe (leading into the intake with an ever-increasing draw from the engine) is nonsense.

We're not talking about strapping a wheelbarrow to the front of the 3" pipe... it's merely another 3" pipe angle-cut to reveal maximum inlet surface area without impeding with radiator flow.

To suggest that this would NOT improve induction is unbelievable.

As for your concerns about the weight penalty of two small pieces of aluminum pipe, the overall weight gains would be negated by the driver spending three days on the treadmill.

No sense in pulling your hair out over ounces, when you consume pounds at the dinner table. Drive barefoot, and you won't even notice the energy inefficiency their added weight will cause your machine. We're driving street cars in full factory trim... kinda dumb to split hairs over a pound here and there.