You do know there is a mesh filter on the pump itself. On motorcycles, that is all there is. There is no inline filter to be found on any of the three in my signature. The one on the Honda CBR600RR can't even be changed. DUMB! I filter the fuel I put in my bikes to save myself having to change them, since they are a PITA to do.
Anyhow, on these trucks, I've often wondered why the inline filter is there, and why it needs to be changed since the pump has a filter on it to prevent anything damaging it. I rarely change the filter on the frame of my 98, twice in 185,000 miles. Last time was back over 10 years ago and around 124,000 miles. Never had any problems with starting difficulty that a changed filter fixed. Most all of the starting difficulties I've encountered were due to vacuum leaks. The last one being the EVAP system, all the hoses were rotted. I removed the hose for the EVAP where it attaches to the intake manifold, capped the fitting, no more starting difficulties. And getting better fuel mileage than it has in the 23 years I've owned it, over 20 mpg. The EGR valve is no good, so I made a solid metal gasket for it. Catalytic converter doesn't convert any more, I can tell by the smell in a garage. Old school hotrod smell. Man, it runs so sweet now!