2000 Jeep WJ — Coolant system issue? Or not?

Long story,

I had to remove my dash to change my heater core, A/C condenser, blend doors, you know, typical Jeep GC stuff. Got everything back together, hooked up the coolant system, filled it, went to bleed it, then all went to pot.

I sprayed down the bleed screw with PBlast, let it sit, then tried to remove it. Stripped the ‘head’ on the first try. Watch ETCG’s videos on removing such problems to no avail. Actually broke my EZ-out in the plug. Said plug leaks. Working for Loctite, I was able to get an epoxy to seal it. Yeah, I know, I’m already planning on changing the timing cover…

Here’s my issue: I ‘burped’ the system and I don’t think I have any air in the system. I start her up and bring her up to temperature. I get heat from my HVAC, I can adjust the temperature, no problem.

After I ready temperature (~195-200F) I notice the upper hose is warm and the lower hose is cold. Going by ETCG’s videos on cooling systems, this might be an issue with the thermostat(?). But if that were the case, would my HVAC not put out any heat? Also, it seems there is no pressure in the system – I drove for an hour and was able to touch and remove the radiator cap.

Summary:
1) Upper hose warm, lower hose cold
2) Cap not pressurized (cold to the touch)
3) Engine NOT overheating (coolant temp always between 195-204F)
4) NO leaks from any component
5) Oil is NOT like chocolate milk, i.e. no coolant in the oil
6) Brand new coolant in the system

I did not pressure check the system, waiting for payday on Friday for that.

What am I looking at?

Thanks,

Sean