I actually find f/t very effective for my bp, for now.

My method is really similar to yours, except I never get a wet rat and never get any exploding guts.

Heres my method:
-4-6 hours before I plan to feed, I put the rodent out of the freezer and place it in the fridge.
-Then 30 min before I feed, I fill a bucket with water as hot as the tap goes. (my friend uses boiling water and thats when Ive noticed the guts exploding)
-I make sure the rodent is either double bagged (if its the thin ones) or I use freezer bags with the double lock, and I place the rodent deep into the bucket and put my tongs on top to weigh it down so the full rodent is underwater. NEVER have a problem with the rodent being wet. in fact, when I take them out they are at a very nice body temperature and 100% dry.
-I then bring it up to her cage and she eats it just like that. I used to use blow-dryer to further warm it, and I also used to dip the rodent's face in a cup of hot water then dry it off, JUST before feeding to my bp. but I found both of these were completely unneccesary.

My opinion is, as long as they are eating, it doesnt really matter what method you use.