lol You know the poor RX18 gets a bad rap. For you to say that matching the RX18 with a mato or other drop ratio gearbox solves any of it's problems is flat out wrong. I will give you the possibility that it may reduce the risk some types of risk but that is in a perfect world where you drive on flat ground with no obstructions of any kind. Any rough/inclined terrain is going to increase the amp draw of your motors period, regardless of the gearbox used. The amp draw of the motors is just one issue with the RX18.
The RX18 has a bad rap because of it's reputation for failure.
Keep moving your electronics away from the RX18, Your doing the right thing by doing so.
At this point the RX18 is only needed if you want IR battling.( The BARC 3 interfaces through the RX18 for control the reduction of speed when you are hit,) If you are not IR battling then you can use any ESC, and just use servo control on the elevation and, turret rotation. In essence your receiver becomes the tank controller.
This amp does get hot, but that is why there are heat sinks. I have found that when the amp is used the load on the BARC3 Vreg is reduced substantially and it barely gets warm.
You know the poor RX18 gets a bad rap
. When it is paired up with lower ratio gears there is no issue with it and the amps it will draw. I recommend guys go with Mato 2.0 or an equivalent gear ratio box. Do that an you will have great tank control and the RX18 will be a happy camper for a long time. A most misunderstood and maligned product. For less the $25 nothing comes close to matching it for value, as long as you understand the "stalled motors = big amp draw" equation. The lower ratio gear boxes move the weak point to a mechanical point on the tank and away from the electronics. Typically you will break a track or throw a track instead of burning up the ESC.