Does recessed heat tape provide more even temps?

I've read about the benefit of recessing the heat in order to avoid wear and tear on the heat tape. But it seems to me that another benefit is more uniform temps. If the tub is sitting directly on the tape (in 2 spots, usually they have ridges), then there is likely to be more heat transferred in those spots.

Do ya'll observe this with the heat gun or is it a non-issue?

I just picked up a used animal plastics 11 tray rack. The flex watt is run in recessed grooves at the rear of each shelf. The temps are nearly uniform from shelf to shelf. It's a good design.

you should hardly see a difference, I mean recessed or not, the heat is going to be closer to the ridges, but the difference is so miniscule that I doubt a heat gun would even pick it up. Even if it does, being recessed is not going to change it. most care sheets give you a range of 90-94 for the hot spot (for ball pythons), just stick to that and you can't go wrong. however not having wear and tear is a plus, however that same benefit can come from back heating.