Ignition Advance ?Cooler or hotter?

[0utlaw]

I need an experts knowledge on this one---this is theory.
Years ago, when vehicles were first being fit with all kinds of non-computer emission control gadgets, I understood that engines had retarded ignitions to help lower emissions.
For instance a Mopar slant six basic timing was TDC to 2 1/2 degrees BTC. Other cars like Ford v-8's used a dual diaphram advance and retard system. I believe the idea, back then, was that RETARDING the ignition built more heat in the cylinder to burn fuel more completely cutting down emissions, but which produced more heat in the engine/ cooling system. I believe that if one of these engines started to heat too much, a vacuum or electrical switch caused the ignition to be advanced a few degrees to help cool it off.
So, if this is a true picture of what happens when an ignition is advanced, a 3 to 4 degree advance over a normal setting on any non-computer, low compression (8.75) engine, this setting should help cool it down providing you do not reach any detonation.
Take a 350 Chevy that normally has, say, a 4 degree btc and move it to 6 or 7 btc. and no detonation occurs, and the engine runs well, the engine should run slightly cooler than at 4btc.
What's your professional opinion?