If your snake is not using his hide spot its not a big deal, its a good thing as he is not trying to hide so does not feel nervous all the time.

As for the humidity throw the ceramic heater away, get a black light at most and keep him on cypress mulch. We use cypress on all our balls as it holds humidity very well, and is not dusty like aspen.

Also your temps seem a little high, the cool side should be around 80* and the warm side 85-88. Balls do not need really high temps, I think you will find a lot of big breeders keep them cooler, with a hot spot to aid in digestion.

Just a thought, that works for us.
Good luck!