Can we share the symptom of fuel filter related car problem?

Many many years back when I was a student, I had a problem with my old manual transmission Mazda GLC (later changed to 323). The symptom was lack of power while accerating. It hesitates, jerks while pressing the gas pedal... Idling was OK. The problem comes and goes. Eventually took it to a private Jewish repair shop and a number of things changed (spark plugs, spark cables,...). Finally, it was determined that fuel filter was clogged. But that was after more than a week and >$50 unnecessary replacement ($50 was a big deal to me at that time).

Anyway, my question is: could you please share your experience with fuel filter related problem? I don't have such problem right now. But since so many people mentioning about replacing fuel filter, there must be some symptoms associated with this clogging filter. I don't know if my prior experience was common. Sharing it may help us to diagnos next time.

Thanks.