larger filter surface area means that less air has to travel through each square centimeter of the filter. its common sense that a larger filter will let more air pass through. what if the filter was 1 cubic centimeter, could 3.5L of air be sucked through it in 1 second? yea probably, but it would be really hard on the engine, causing the engine to use more power to suck air in, leaving less power to be transferred down the drive train.
best way to get an understanding of it is to walk around your house at a brisk pace with a straw in your mouth. ONLY breathe through the straw. do it for like 2 minutes and you'll see why size matters.
having a cone filter isnt an advantage over stock if it is the same size as stock.