You do not need an AEM EMS to not run a MAF. You have a few options -

1. If your ECU is Eprom, then you can get it chipped to not run a 1G MAF, and instead run a 2G MAF. They flow alot more air than a 1G MAF and are a good upgrade.
2. You can run a GM MAF and a MAF translator to eliminate the stock MAF.
3. You can run a good piggyback, like DSM Link or get a SAFC to help tune your MAF better. DSM Link is not that expensive, you can get V2 for $450. It is not bad considering what you can do with it, for a DSM.

Ideally, you want to get the DSM Link to help tune your car. But if you don't have that much money at first, then buy a GM MAF and a MAF translator to solve your problem.

So you are running stock boost? And have you checked your spark plugs and see what the gap is on them? You need to be running a .28 gap on them for a stock-low boost level. Check it out and let us know.