Mine runs like this Sean, it has ally rad on it, swirl pot and all samco hoses, had new stat, water pump, msd low temp fan switch, temp sendor, full coolant system flush and change. It still sits just below N and fans cut in on the N. Same as yours, nothing seems excessively hot when checking it.

Had me worried for a while but I have drove it just keeping my eye on things and its always fine as it is. I still dont like the needle up that high though so if you find a cure, without taking the needle off and refitting it where I want it to sit, then Id love to know.

*edit* Im sure I have some clocks in the garage I know where they used to sit on my old Sapph at normal running temp so may give them a try over the weekend if I get any time to do so. Ill post if it works or not