So if I understand you correctly, you mean it's hottest at the equator not due to the angle as the ball model suggests but also due to proximity sense the FE model proposes a "spot light" which is much smaller and closer and then proximity to it affects heat much more than angle.

But in regards to tilting, according to the standard ball model. The tilt doesn't change. Only ever so slightly which means the ball model also works for Polaris staying at the same observable position.