Interesting, as ArcticSilver was my paste of choice, and my method was based on what they used to recommend, it seems things have changed in the last 10 years - I'd probably go with what the ArcticSilver instructions say.
As for using gloves, you won't add an air pocket, as the gloves are only used for applying a really thin coating to the heatsink. By really thin, I mean just enough to be visible on the heatsink, while still being able to see the heatsink surface through the thermal paste. That should be enough to fill any gaps in the heatsink surface.
According to ArcticSilver ( http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appmeth/int/vl/intel_app_met... ) all CPU covered with an aluminium plate should have their thermal paste just put in a single vertical line in the center.
They also talk about the line surface spread method you're talking about but only for mobile CPUs.
My fear is that by spreading the paste with gloves I'd somehow add some air in the paste, resulting in really bad thermal conductivity.
It seems your method is the way to go, though: http://overclocking.guide/thermal-paste-roundup-2015-47-prod...