Engine not revving properly - Mass Air FLow issue?

[treeman]

I cleaned the MAF thoroughly yesterday and this made no difference. If I disconnect the MAF there is no noticeable difference either. I have looked at the lengths of vacuum pipe and the cotton braided covering is damaged in many places but can't see any defects in the rubber underneath but I have ordered some lengths to replace anyway.
I tried to bypass the vacuum reservoir by connecting both pipe ends together with a piece of 3mm plastic pipe but the car would not start when i tried that so not sure whats happening there - I'm guessing it should at least start unless the seal was very poor maybe?
I'll check the EGR valve when I get some time.
Thanks for the help with this.......