I have given up on short this year. I know, crazy as it sounds! I have NO problems with the "heat" Honestly I don't see any differenct at all in my body temperature. I had so many problems with weeds and grass being on my legs from trimming being on there ALL DAY, I'd eventually start to itch like cracy from that stuff. I was miserable in the evenings and had to put anti-itch lotion on my legs just to stay sane. Since I went to wearing jeans all the time I don't have that problem. Not to mention that I actually stay cleaner and my shoes get less crap in them!
Some jeans are better than other then others for the summer tho. I only have 3 pair that are worn and thin enough for the heat. All the rest I own are either too heavy or too baggy for the summer months. I have looked at lightweight pants like kahkis and whatnot, but I wear a 36" inseam and anything above a 34" is impossible to find at a regular store...
Oh, i forgot to mention.. you mentioned being bitten! How bout chiggers! I would say the same thing, that I never had mosquitoes biting me that much but I have red welts all over my legs. I still get them with the jeans, but only around my ankles. still irritating, but better than behind my knees!!!