If pulling the MAF makes it run better, that is indeed a sign the MAF is bad. Pulling the MAF also puts the engine into 'default' mode, which could also disable some other functions, such as runner flaps, so it may not actually be the MAF.....if that makes sense!
What scan tool have you got? What is the MAF measurement at idle and does it increase with revs? With the engine fully warmed up, the MAF usually measures around 2gs and should increase when stabbing the throttle. If it doesn't move, the MAF is 100% dead.