I know of people who religiously replaced fuel filter at even closer intervals but still had the same choking problem. This is not the solution.

And besides, the filter is just a very fine sieve which arrests contamination. A blocked filter will still be working as it will gradually restrict fuel supply to the pump due to heavy blockage, and will only result in low power. Dirt will not be allowed to get into the pump.

However, a very very old filter may eventually disintegrate. The disintegrated filter media, together with all the dirt will now flow into the pump.