S-04 Fermentis fermentation temperature

Contrary to popular belief, S-04 Fermentis dry ale yeast ferments just fine in the upper 50's, temperature-wise. First, start with a warm pitch (warm pitch to me is 68F), then let the beer settle to 57-58F within 24 hours. Fermentation does kick off quite rapidly [6 hours]. It will fully attenuate after 3 weeks. Taste is fine, no diacetyl rest needed. Sometimes this is necessary even with cool fermented ale yeasts. But, no funny flavors are there because of the cold temperatures.

This is with no starter, and direct pitch. Never have used water first on dry yeasts. I have not found a reason to.