Hello!
Good post of yours, Quark, about the 2-ways/gates! That's correct! I tested a better thermal response!
About the 3-ways/gates, the first point remains valid as well. Let me add another strong reason, which turns to be the place of the control valve, that is on the return side, just because it is always easier in terms of Hydraulics, to join two mass-flow rates than to diverting them in almost control/modulating functions. That is, the valve-authority is maximal for this flow-configuration/arrange. That's why the most convenient flow sense is expressed/indicated on valve hydraulic body according.
zzzo