Those same variables you mentioned for brushless existed with brushed motors also. I had a VFS-1 masami that required just as much tuning as a brushless speedo.
I run an LRP tc and I try to keep my settings simple....
I run the punch setting at 3 or 5 depending on track conditions and gear to temp. I've tried to advance the timing on the motor side and the temps just went up so I had to adjust the FDR and ended up with the same speed as the stock settings...lol