I have removed fuel runner and admittedly didn't bother purging fuel but usually only a few drips come out. However, the fuel is pooling in the little connector to the intake manifold. There is fuel smell throughout the throttle and intercooler pipes. I wonder, due to all the fuel nature of this problem could it be a fuel filter or regulator? Then, why doesn't this show as a fault in Dice Vida?
I think you mean to say that little things add up and if I replace the IAT sensor then it might help.
The maf sensor clicks a lot after turning the ignition off.
Intake manifold gasket seated well.

Basically when this happened I had removed timing belt, adjusted vvt pulley a fraction while locking the cams in the offset ... then next time I started splutter. Have checked again and again all the lines and timing and sensors.

I should check that IAT. That is one thing that was failing. But, the sensor wires themselves were still together when I had the problem arise. It was later I broke them.