Air Intake Question/Observation

[rrraider]

When checking out the condition of the air filter on our, new to me, 2010 Murano LE I removed the snorkle that goes to the air intake holes behind the grill. While this air source appears to be in a very optimal position for feeding the engine cool air, but I find it very puzzleing that Nissan designed it for two air sources yet are using only one and also went to the expense of configuring the snorkle to block the additional source rather than just covering it with and inexpensive plug to block the hole or even leaving it open to cool the engine compatment heat load.
It seems obvious that the engineers had something in mind, but what? And why would you go to the trouble of engineering and producing a more complicated and expensive part when it's no even needed? I cannot help but feel that there is more to it than that. Miscommunication between body and power plant engineers, don't think so.
I've always felt that you cannot have too much available air, yet a designed-in source has been blocked using questionable means. I find this very curious and wondered if anyone else had noticed, and had any thoughts as to why; and also if tapping the second source would provide any power/economy benefits.
Love to hear your thoughts.
Randy Moss

[rrraider]

50 plus views and not a single thought; I thought it was more interesting than that or could it be that the post didn't make sense, if so my bad.
Randy