[RC-Monster Mike]

If you have good batteries, gearing up will make the power seemingly more abrupt and aggressive - brushless isn't like brushed - brushless torque is only limited by the battery's ability to provide current, so gearing up with powerful batteries will yield stronger acceleration. If it doesn't, your batteries can't keep up. Simple as that. If you want smoother power delivery, then a throttle curve and/or punch control is the answer. I prefer throttle curves, as I find punch control to give my trigger a muddy feeling in the mid range. The better radios have an adjustment called Exponential, which works in a imilar fashion.
The physical construction, quality of materials, etc. will all determine motor efficiency - some do much better than others at partial load(such as the T8 motors, making them ideal for our use). Partial throttle is less efficient than full throttle, but this doesn't make for fast laps usually(unless perhaps you have a large oval). If you are smooth on the throttle, you will see much lower temps(minimizes short amp spikes which are not efficient). If you drove nitro for 10 years and have a habit of pulsing the throttle, practice until you can control yourself - you will see faster lap times and lower temps.
If you are experiencing high temps, it could be one or a few of several factors. Errratic throttle input will increase heat(mentioned above). Lower quality batteries will increase heat(to make the power being asked, the amp draw must increase when the voltage drops, bringing resistance more into play). You could also be over geared or under geared. Over gearing is a more common problem and more likely to cause excessive heat. Poor tire selection can increase heat(similar to under gearing). Poor soldering will cause heat. Low wire quality or too small wire size will cause heat. Poor connectors can cause heat. Heat is indicitive of inefficiency. Cooler is better. If you have excess heat, check the above things and eliminate them one by one until you have ahappy system. :)