Hi,
I suspect that you may better understand the time differentials between sensing and applying enough heat.
In AUTO mode you will have a delay from "sensing" to "correct" to the required probe temperature.
if you apply maximum available power, ("open loop condition") no delay at all
At which cost? Roughly 1 KW being used, i estimate.
And the environment is frequent, i understand.
Are you saying is difficult to decide (System or crew) when apply max power?