I don't like running the engine too cold. I also need to walk a fine line between flowing the water too slow in the engine and too fast in the radiator.
We have major heat issues in Texas that you're not going to have in NY. 100+ degree days are common and it doesn't always cool down much at night. If coolant doesn't spend enough time in the radiator it's not going to drop any heat. Instead of fiddling with different size restrictions to get it just right for the ambient temps and then have to mess with it again when the weather changes, I'll stick with a thermostat.
When I fire this thing up, I want it to hit operating temperature quickly for better street manners.

I will reset the fan temps to come on at 190 and turn off at 180. That will regulate temperature properly and give the fan some down time.