I think the facts are a little more nuanced than this. Colleges that are need aware generally do NOT give much info on how they apply that need-aware approach. One I can think of is Carleton, which is pretty specific that they apply it to students who are on the cusp. But that does not mean all colleges look at it that way. You can see how a college might be pickier with all students who have high need, and less so with those who only need a smaller amount.
And since students DO care if they get admitted or not, being need-aware is not irrelevant in deciding where the apply. That said, I agree that schools that meet need are best, and having some on your list that are not need blind is okay. But you are going to want to be toward the higher end of their stats spectrum where you can be, IMHO. Because if they are not need-blind, they WILL toss SOME applicants out of their pool that meet need, and you can’t know what methodology they really use.