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The issue of substrate is in can be moved. I have never seen any substrate that is not movable. The test should include the highest temp a snake has access to. Zoo med states a 2-8º shift possible even at 107º that is unacceptable.
Incorrect temps are linked to 90% perhaps greater issues reptiles have health wise. I believe it is possible to line up conditions on a glass tank that provide a max spot in the mid 90s as long as nothing changes. The problem with this belief is NOTHING CHANGES. Weather changes, amount of substrate changes, RH changes, room temps change, snakes move around, and the 1000 other variables. Everything changes. A thermostat adjusts accordingly to adapt to the variables that effect temps. Rheostats control the max temp out put. (in stable room temps they work ok I don't like them but...)
A decent thermostat is around 100$ purpose build and designed exactly for the task at hand. A acceptable thermostat that will work is 30$. The simple fact remains this inexpensive tool safe guards the health of the animal. Resistive heaters often change the temp out put though the life of the panel as they age resistance increases and the temp creeps higher. What you do with your experience is fine but the mentioned 'witch hunt' thread was recommending an unregulated UTH on a plastic tub. This is IRRESPONSIBLE how would you feel if an in experienced owner had a snake burned from YOUR advise? The witch hunt on my part is about reckless advise that is beyond logic. (1/32 plastic insulating better than 1/4 glass who believes this???)
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