I won't disagree completely, Bobby, but TCs are available in small sizes too, which have considerably less mass and not bulky at all. I'd recommend 1/2" or 3/4". Probably more associated with the dairy industry, but they're great for home brewers, in my opinion. In terms of cost, they get expensive with resellers, but I got mine for much less direct from China, from the same suppliers resellers use. A no brainer. When I first started modifying my system I trialed 1.5" TCs with butterfly valves, and, in that case, I agree with you. The TCs I'm using with G3 valves weigh a fraction of the first trials.
I'll point out, too, that sanitary conditions on the hot side are not a given. The temperature and time of a typical boil is no guarantee wort is sufficiently sanitary. It's very easy to assess how sanitary your kettle wort is by aseptically collecting a little wort then leaving it at room temperature and count the number of days it takes to culture up something. Regardless of fittings, the source is grains, which can be quite active, microbiologically speaking. A good fermentation is what deals with it. It's good practice to keep all fittings sanitary regardless. That's the advice from a molecular biologist with enough experience in microbiology to know. My kettle is as clean and sanitary as my FVs and kegs. A lot of effort and time go into making a good beer. Why take chances?