Fellows, this is where engine HEAT comes into play.
Fred, if you had engine heat to the intake, as soon as it fires, it would be warming the fuel for better evaporation into the cylinder almost immediately. The use of a choke would assist by putting alittle more fuel with not so much air. I think you'd find those wet plugs would disappear because it wouldn't take so much fuel to fire her up. While I think water heat is good, this is where I believe exhaust heat beats water heat.
Just my 4 sense worth!
Joe
