Since Ford Dealers are scrupulously honest, and completely informed, I believe him (NOT!).
Value Engineering is what it is called...I.E. what is the least expensive way to give a functional product. If they believe an external filter will not meet the needs of "functional", you don't get one.
All mfg. look to make a product with a reasonable life (what the MFG considers reasonable) at a reasonable cost (again, what the MFG thinks the market will bear). I would have to believe that the cost and performance of an additional filter did not give the COMPANY the return on their investment. MFG's don't want their products lasting forever, just a "reasonable time" I am sure Ford feels the internal filter will last long enough to be out of warranty and still have a few more good years. Ford (or any Car Mfg. is not interested in a car that lasts 30 years.
You can ask why ford didn't put an engine oil cooler on the non-svt engines. Same reason, the SVT needs it for reasonable durability. The non-svt would benefit from it, but not enough for Ford to justify the expense. And as consumers, we don't seem to want to pay too much either.
