First off, Welcome to the 7.3 side of FTE. I'm glad you finally posted. 5 yrs is a long time to be a lurker
I personally use the Xmonitor from BD power. I have used this setup in two trucks. My reasons are #1 compact size. I don't like the big guage pods adding more size to an already oversized A piller. I like to see whats coming at me.
#2 I don't like lights in my eyes at night. My night vision isn't what it used to be and the piller pods just add more distraction.

while its true some digital guages only plug into the vehicle harness therefore
only reporting what the computer sees. the BD uses an actual temp sender in the pan or where ever you chose to install it.
to each his own, but thats my .02

Barney