Shaun,
yes, I run a remote filter, it's on the cross member (but sits a little low in my opinion).
it just bolts on to where the filter attaches - the water block still remains (as far as I know).. i'll have a better look tomorrow.
if you can, def get the remote filter - unless you have monkey hands (which i don't)!
agreed - thermo is one more thing that can go wrong, but i would guess that, like a water thermo, if it goes wrong it will stay open rather than closed?