I had a problem with rattling in the A/C when I turned the blower up to 4 from a setting of 1.

Just got my '02 WRX back from the dealer, they vacuumed about a ziploc baggie's worth of leaves, helicopter seeds, and woodchips from the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioner) blower assembly. I park in a tree-lined lot everyday.

Does anyone know if the cabin air/pollen filter would prevent wayward debris from collecting in the blower assembly?
Is the filter upstream from the blower fan?

I'd rather take my glove box out every 6 months to replace the cabin filter rather than take the dash apart to vacuum the ducts and blower assemby out. Especially after the warranty runs out.

-SA