That's some good investigative work! You could also just monitor the reservoir instead of taking the heater core out of the loop if you have parts on the way.
I can confirm that my 07 runs "hotter" than the earlier trucks. 192-197 is really common in mixed driving. I only see it hit 201 if I'm sitting at a light in gear in 100+ weather with the a/c cranking away. Even then, it will hold that 201 or dip down into the mid 190s while sitting as the fan clutch / thermostat do their job.
I can confirm that my 07 runs "hotter" than the earlier trucks. 192-197 is really common in mixed driving. I only see it hit 201 if I'm sitting at a light in gear in 100+ weather with the a/c cranking away. Even then, it will hold that 201 or dip down into the mid 190s while sitting as the fan clutch / thermostat do their job.