That was the exact answer my indy told me. He was 99% sure that it wasn't the filter that was causing my issue. But I insisted that we gave replacing the filter a try anyway just to rule that out since it was relatively inexpensive compared to other options. There's a fine line between slow engagement and slipping depending on how you describe the symptom. A slow engagement (half or not engaged) would feel exactly like slipping (engine rev'ving and car is not/slow moving).