2.0 TFSI - MAF unplugged & performance still the same!! why??

Engine idles okay, no warning lights or misfire. It just seems a little slow to pick up in any gear and at any engine speed. Do not get that instant surge of raw power.

So today unplugged the MAF, performance seemed to be the same !!!

Vagcom'd before test. No faults. After unplugging MAF, it logged an error like 'no signal'.

Question is:

1. What problems / faults / mpg implications will an unplugged MAF cause?
   
2. Any bench top tests that can be performed on the MAF?