Not seen your members thread, but have you tried the ISCV? Sams Escort had a dodgy one and it done just that, wouldn't idle properly, put your foot to the floor and it would bog down and splutter, eventually picking up better but still a bit spluttery.
It's located on the inlet manifold so may be your problem
But it may also be either of the things you mentioned. Do the cheapest first which is giving the MAF a clean. If that doesn't work, still bear in mind that the MAF may be buggered. Your TPS may have gone aswell, but not as common as the ISCV or MAF I'd say.
