I like the HUD very much and feel it is a safety feature. If you adjust the HUD correctly you don't need to look down at the speedometer while you're driving. The key word is to adjust.
I have an outstanding Mazda dealer at Fort Myers MAZDA. In FL. In the past I have rebuilt engines from the ground up and when I see torque wrenches being adjusted and used I like it.
I would plug it, so water doesn't enter and rust later. I would never replace it at that price. I'm thinking a 1" fender washer covered with muffler cement? or ?
You don't need a college degree in thermodynamics to know that hot air blowing on a battery is not good for it. Some people don't display common sense.
The foam insulator on the batter sides is to protect the battery from hot air blowing on the battery. Battery installer either don't understand that or don't care. JMO. Ed
I bought one from AMAZON and it fit perfectly and works very well. I'm not sure if it is the one you show but, if it doesn't work well, just return it. Ed
Are you observing this "puff-of-air" with the intake filter system apart i.e. no filter and cover?
If so, then I see no issue at all. The intake is a system designed to operate with all components in place and functioning.