I'm running one of those remote in-line thermostats, too. I don't baby it much on cold start-ups...pretty much just let it run while I'm buckling up my belts and then go.
Car doesn't pop or fart..just does it's thing seemingly happily. Seems to run cool, too, when on the move. In traffic, it will kick on the fan, but I've been very happy with Jim's initial setup and tune at SAAC37 he did for me....just corrected a small transition stumble that he noticed when driving the car...it didn't bother me none. I would say that since you are running a different radiator than both Hyde and I, your running characteristics may be a bit different....I think it will come down to this in the end. You can see my remote thermostat housing in the lower left of this photo...
- Allen.