Yep it's up to your system. Id lose to much heat in my cooler tun. But if I had a herms or similar Id definitely stir as much as possible , maybe even install an electric stirrer. It helps with efficiency and evening out mash temperature. I agree there is less need in a small homebrew setup...
Make sure you wash the hulls before use no matter how much you use, give 'em a good rinse. People say they have used them for years without rinsing, but I suggest rinsing them and check out the rice flour and other gunk that comes from them, sometimes its rank. Cheerz!
The weekend starting 26th October 2012 was the birth of the Brewers Halloween. A select few Brewers and Casters on justin.tv entered into a fun competition to dress as women and cast in costume - the results of which were hilarious. With some of the Brewers being clean shaved for the first time...
IMO you would be better off with be2 and 500g of dme.. If using Coopers boxed ingredients. Maybe a few hundred extra grams of dextrose if you want to bump up the alcohol.