The fans are tested on a radiator, so it’s not equivalent to most case fascia, which are typically more restrictive and benefit even more from greater CFM and pressure, so yes.
The components in the case don’t really matter. Yes, the path of air is changed by components, but the air has to go somewhere. An intake fan won’t suddenly stop pulling less air just because there’s a GPU nearby. The internal components will push the air around in funny ways but it won’t prevent it from getting in and will only somewhat effect exhaust by hot spots created by obstructions.
Still, the exhaust fans are going to exhaust what they can — as Chrispy (I think) mentioned earlier the real issue is the case’s exhaust openings, not the components within.
It’s a personal preference. Most of the best cases these days tend to use a single mesh front panel with no additional filter.