Hiding only on the cool side?

[Ditto]

Those temps sound fine to me... The recommended is ~90 on the hot side and ~80 on the cool side, but 76 isn't bad. I made a similar post not too long ago, and everyone told me the temps are alright. My snake does the same thing... has cooler temps on the cool side (even lower than 76 sometimes) but favors that hide even though hides are identical, etc. Some snakes just have a preference for things a little on the cooler side I guess. It'll go to the warmer side if it wants to.
One thing you probably should consider though, is getting an uth and a thermostat for it since it sounds like you only have a che. Ball pythons really benefit from having some belly heat to help them digest their food. I have an uth and a che working together and I feel like it creates a good balance.

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I guess he's just a weirdo then? lol