RE: "pulling the front cover will settle the hotspot temps like it does"
Does seem to indicate airflow issues
Try reversing your air flow ... In through top & out through the front OR try all radiators IN, see if positive pressure gives good results
If the new coolant is more viscous, (possibly due to the solids used for color) --> then flow would be impacted
I for sure don't think your arguing - we are mulling over all the possibilities
OK, I learned this a long long time ago, when troubleshooting strange or inconsistent issues.
When you don't know what the problem is .... find out what it is Not! Soon you're only left with one or two possibilities.