it is my opinion that long tubes are more trouble then they are worth. they are a pain to install and they can mess with the tune because of the way they move the O2 sensors farther away.
nowadays, the gains you get from good shorty headers are almost as much as long tubes. not quite as good still, but it is alot closer than it used to be.
i think also that equal length shorty headers are a not worth it. they make simple things like changing the spark plugs a real pain and they have a tendency to burn plug wires
i think mid lengths are a good compromise.
and the only time you need to worry about the maf is if you are changing the fuel injectors (because you are doing some mods and increasing the horse power alot)