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I was an original member at BITOG. In a discussion years ago on oil pan heaters the concern was raised about cooking the oil (hot spot) and, IIRC, the admonition was to avoid temps above 150F as well as careful control of time. This advice was from one of the brainy types who left long ago (there is a lot of junk to wade through over there now). I would be (and will be, as one of these is on my list) careful about overheating. Just getting the oil above 100F evenly (how to measure, the problem) would be enough, IMO.
Yes, it takes quite a few miles to get engine oil to op temp. And the oil-to-coolant exchangers are also in place to quickly rid the oil of heat spikes which otherwise reduce lubrication effectiveness. That is likely a more important function as it is "life saving".
I would be cautious about pushing pre-heating too far. Not much. I've looked at the immersion heaters and would carefully consult about size and use with the manufacturer prior to purchase.
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