Just like a fire extinguisher. I am sure some choose not to carry one because they have never had a fire in 925 hours. We are fortunate in this hobby that each individual can set their own risk tolerance and equip accordingly. Op should set his own risk criteria. It can be dangerous looking for consensus on these types of decisions.
Frankly, I am more concerned with water saturation and ice than garbage bags. But hey, if you never plan on flying in ice or rain, it shouldn't be a problem
Not sure how the K&N will tolerate it, but I have had a auto engine stop running due to a water logged paper air filter.
IMO there is no benefit to not installing this beyond the 45 minutes saved. On the flip side, it could save your life, regardless of how remote the probability is. If you fly IFR, this is as essential as pitot heat IMO. Though you will find plenty of folks that say they are not necessary because they never experienced an iced over pitot.
Risk of ingesting parts of the assembly can easily be addressed by using thin aluminum sheet under the shop head of the rivets.
Larry