I only question the point and validity of the experiment, since the product in question is suggested for use on the side of an enclosure and its secondary application is an UTH. In addition, the ambient temperature of the room being near 80F would cause all but the most high desert herp owners to question using a UTH on full blast. (I believe even the packaging that is being scolded about says this even.) Finally, the product in question is intended to be used with substrate. If I am reading your "experiment" correctly, you will be putting some sort of substrate in later... so the readings really don't make sense now.

What, exactly, can you gain from not following the packaging instructions other than bad mouthing a product(s) that work just fine for some people? And, as someone in the heat transfer field, please use a better DOE or do some initial supportive research before suggesting you are presenting a grand "thesis" - IMHO of course.