i keep ALL of my animals at 85-88 hot side 75-78 or so cold side. No problems with this setup at all!

I use racks, and have them heated by back heat with two strips of 11" on my big ones hooked to T-stats, and one strip of 11" on my smaller one ( which is getting extra when i feel like moving it out from the wall before winter)

Never had a problem with this setup, and i do not think ball pythons need 90 degree hotspots. I also feed every other week or so.

Half log is fine, some will tell you they are not, there are always new Fads that go along with keeping reptiles. They pass in time. what people did 20 years ago may not be IN now, but maybe in another 10 it might come back. its just how things go.

So long as the animal feeds for you, and remains healthy and active ( for a ball python, of course) I wouldnt sweat it.

Enjoy your new critter!