Are you guys assuming that combusion temperature is lower with advanced timing just because your EGT's are lower?
I can't find a reason why it would reduce combustion temperatures.
I can see how it would lower EGT's by placing more time between ignition and when the exhaust gas hits the EGT probe, giving it more time to cool and give us the perception of safe temps inside the cylinder.
I have played with a lot of gasoline engines, and I don't see how the situation would be different there than in a diesel. Accepted safe EGTs for a gas engine are about 1600 degrees. I like to run a lot of boost on pump gas, so I have to retard my ignition timing to prevent detonation. When I retard my timing, my EGTs go up accordingly, because there is LESS time between ignition and when that exhaust hits the probe. In reality, the actual temperature in the cylinder is the same, but the temp I see is higher. I regularly see temps of 2000 degrees, but that's only because I'm flame broiling my probe with minimal timing. At the same time, people I know that run lots of timing and get a bunch of detonation break and melt pistons, even though they have 1500 degree EGTs. I have yet to break or melt anything. As far as I'm concerned, EGT's just an indication of timing, and are useless for tuning for that reason.
On a diesel engine, I wouldn't run without one, but I'd be careful assuming you can add more fuel or something like that because you advanced your timing and now have lower EGTs. I'd say your combustion temps are the same, you shouldn't assume it's cooler.