If the pipers are in one joist cavity, then I might alter that view, but then, maybe some heat trace and insulation on the outside of the wrap would be more efficient.

In a simple open volume, with no "wind" and the need I think it easier to use a relatively limited heater lower to evenly distribute the heat throughout the area. The heat will rise and you can simply adjust the temp at the thermostat to deal with the thermal variation. (The stratification isn't exactly even as one moves up the floor. The sides of the cellar are close to the desired temp for a good deal up the way of the volume. It's not a huge space where the contributions of the edges are negligible because the are relatively small or are insulated from the interior.

If you put the heater or strip heating source too high and in line with a joist, then it would tend to heat the specific cavities or cavities above it unevenly.

Anyway, if Max is just keeping the pipe area between 37 and 45 degrees, and doesn't care whether he spends more or less on power, we are just talking theoretically.

As you do in your houses, Tom. The rule of heat low, and cool high may not critical here; but I think the efficacy of the principle is still the same.

How cold is it up in South Camden today? ;^))))