OK I know that peeps generally say these are not worth it... but I have had one fitted to my car for nearly 2 years now and have just cleaned it and is dry ready to be re-fitted (original in at the mo)

My question is.. What is the preference/preferred method, I fitted from new by spraying with the additive oil, yet I am sure some mention best not to oil? I have seen some CIA been advertised with a dry panel filters?

If yours is designed to be oiled, I would use it oiled. If you want a dry one then get one designed to be used dry. Properly prepped an oiled filter shouldn't cause any contamination.

Oil it as per the instructions, then once it's soaked in, place it on some newspaper and blow a hair dryer on medium speed on it (cold setting) for a few seconds. Don't go mental on it.

Dab the surface lightly with kitchen roll to remove any oil that's sitting on the surface.

That should have it quite well covered.

cheers, guess I'll oil it up again

Just be careful not to over oil. Follow instructions as mentioned above otherwise you'll kill your MAF.