cold air intakes? Really?

OK, the stock intake picks up down low, away from any source of heat. The "cold air intakes" out there on the market typically pick up either right next to the top radiator hose, of very near the exhaust manifold, at the top of the engine compartment. How is this air any cooler? Sure it looks better, but....

There may be better flow, but can anyone explain how they got the name "Cold air intakes?"

Next, why would I want to give up the intake flow sensors? Unless you move to very aggressive tuning techniques, it seems that this would be a very bad move. Am I wrong, what are the options?

they picked the name because it sounds nice, most cold air intakes don't offer air thats much colder

most intakes don't require elimination of any sensors. In California it would be illegal if they did this.