[schiffern]

The issue is, all too often the HVAC equivalent of "gym bro science" teaches young technicians that High MERV = Too Restrictive, which (to put it mildly) is a gross oversimplification.

It's important to follow the manufacturers recommendations for the total pressure drop including the filter (this can be measured with a $10 radon manometer), but if the manufacture says something silly like "avoid high MERV filters" then you can safely ignore that claim provided you abide by the maximum pressure drop specced.

This is just an issue with residential HVAC, but of course the residential side has always been messed up...