I think the topper is cooler than shit. I have always wanted my Gladiator to look different than every other one you see on the road. Everything is not about being functional.
I have a K&N air filter in everything I own including my motorcycle and ATV. If they made one for my lawnmower I would have one on it. I have been using them for longer than I can remember and none of the engines have ever suffered any ill effects. Obviously K&N is not for anyone but the idea...
Wow that is really cool that you can ask Mopar parts a question and get a very helpful answer. Makes me even more glad I bought a Gladiator instead of a Subaru.
It is a personal preference . I like calling it what it is. "Gladiator". You are free to call it what ever you want. I am not very good at "just following what others say"