When I have passengers I usually set the climate control to full auto and around 76 degrees when it's hot out.

By myself on my commute if I get to hot I'll usually work the A/C on while on a decline so not so much extra fuel is required.

As for the venting systems being hot I park my car outside under a carport in the shade. With that said when I first start out the air coming out is warm, about the same as the outside air. I haven't noticed any difference.
Temps here in GA are mid to high 80's in the heat of the afternoon.
I wonder if the control is out of adjustment?

Are you getting any hot airflow leakage from the heater core area?
If it were me I'd put a thermometer in front of the vent and get a good reading while the engine is cold. Then with the temp knob set to coldest I'd keep the car parked right where it is and let the engine warm up and check to see if the temp has increased from the vents. If I saw a substantial increase I'd have the dealer check it out.

In my case I am very involved while driving watching how the vehicle is performing and anticipating the ever changing conditions. Generally I don't even notice the heat oddly enough until after I've parked and enter the air conditioned building.

You're right though that if it is too hot to be enjoyable you need to cool off.
Steve

Efficient drivers do it better.
1003 miles a tank personal record. 74MPG calculated. HCH1 CVT