The ECU isn't going to talk to a different type/style of airflow meter. I believe we have the largest/highest flow VAF among all the mazda engines used with this style of VAF engine management. The N/A had a smaller VAF. Even N/A & XR2 units are not compatible to swap.
Hotwire type like you referenced would need a totally different ECU / management scheme to utilize. Would be "easier" to go to aftermarket standalone management and run speed-density fuel algorithm which does not use a VAF/MAF at all.
The stock VAF can handle quite a bit, unless you're running a much bigger aftermarket turbo it's not a weak spot
They make a short cone-style filter that works well, it's half the size of a regular cone. Don't be afraid to move the VAF around, just keep it level so gravity isn't affecting the flapper
Something like this:
www.amazon.com/Spectre-Performance-Universal-Clamp-Filter/dp/B005BHUXPOGet rid of the stock Jpipe, run the VAF down in front of the transmission inline with the turbo's intake, and you can fit a full-size cone filter down there
This is the system I ran on my XR2 for a long time. Hardware store plumbing fittings. I even moved it to the 1.8L turbo in my GTXR2 when I swapped/converted it: