I hesitate to recommend this, because this is an extra step that may not solve anything. BUT if you confident in your TStat replacement skill, and really want to get the air out of the system, you COULD try deleting the TStat temporarily (not sure if the gasket will seal properly without the TStat holding it in tho), and then running the engine till it gets warm. All the air should flow out into the degas bottle (not having a restriction anymore). Then carefully reinstall the TStat.
You could also try jacking up the DRIVER's side of the car while doing the TStat R&R so as to not let the coolant have easy access to spilling out. Then after the install, lower the DRIVER side and jack up the PASSENGER side.
Just a couple of ideas. No clue if at all practical or possible ...