No, it would only eff up when you're trying to push more air through it than it can filter at a time due to it being clogged. It may be worth to look into as I suspect your tranny to be fine. As long as your tranny filter and fluid have been changed, it shouldn't be a problem, my money is on the cat. How does the car react when you floor it from 2nd to make it go into 1st, stupidly aggressive downshift that takes you nowhere?
Similar problem -harsh down-shift to first from a "slow-roll" after car is driven 30 - 40 miles and then in heavy traffic only at traffic lights etc. No codes ! Does NOT do this when cold or in highway traffic 60MPH plus, only after a drive and then in heavy traffic. I haven't and can't check in the next few days a "heavy foot" 2nd to 1st down-shift but I was inclined to think trans PCS and you seem to feel most likely NOT? I wouldn't say there's a "loss of power" with mine though.
Comments? The car is an '03 L67 SSEi 95K miles and serviced regularly.
I do have an L67 '02 GTP also.