wow, where are you based m8y?? sounds like you got a very "picky" stealers there!!!
the vag com diagnostics sometimes misdiagnose the faults so thats where it has picked up your maf again probably.....although the temp sensor is also another "problem area" with our cars. i dont know where or how to change one as mine hasnt gone (yet

) the DIY will probably be in a haynes or on a help thread somewhere (sorry to be vague)
as for the diagnostic plug being missing??? how did they find and clear your codes if they couldnt find the plug to put their vagcom into???

. the port for it is underneath your centre consol, above your ashtray!!a bit of plastic hides it away......tandem pump?

never heard of one of those, and your engine undertray!! well 50% of cars have one and 50% dont. they are plastic and often fall off, no bother really.
£280 sounds expensive but thats usually a normall ish price for a service in VW.
good luck with finding your "plug"...sorry i couldnt be of more help
Gareth