What is the best way to thin out a lawn?

In preparation for winter (3a) I’ve been dropping my HoC down to 2” As I do this, I am noticing some areas of turf that seem too densely populated. A fresh cut at 2” feels like a soft bristle brush in the places I’m worried about. I attribute this to too much overseed this past spring.

I would like to thin these areas out to avoid disease issues (especially snow mold over the winter), root rot, and overall turf quality and appearance. It also sucks to push the mower through.

I admit the picture doesn’t really look like there’s much of an issue, but that’s a 2” cut and I can’t even touch soil/thatch grass without using both hands to pull the plants apart. Lots of dead blades in there because of what I assume to be over-competition.

What is the best way to go about thinning out overpopulated turf, and/or is it necessary? Will this sort itself out with time?

Thanks in advance for any advice.