The theory is that they give up some filtering ability to flow more air. So you would get more flow for all that time you spend with the throttle wide open and the engine spinning in the upper RPM range. Other than that, with the stock paper filter, if you want more air flow, you 'step on the gas'. So if giving up engine and oil life for that moment is important then your choice is made.
If you go to bobistheoilguy.com and do a search on 'air filter study' you will find all you want to know about air filters in a very well done practical study.