Yeah I totally agree with you on the blowing up the suit part. Like I understand it, and I understand the symbolism behind it (and the need for cool FX) but practically speaking.. it is a bit wasteful xD especially since he just turns around and starts building again.

I also LOVE the whole sequence of him in the Mandarin's hideout. It's just... he so resourceful. Kind of makes me think of the First Iron Man when the scientist was like "It can't be done, we can't make it smaller," and Obie was just all "Tony did this in a cave. With a box of scraps." It really just highlights how resourceful he is!