Agree with almost all of this post.
Was fully prepared to return mine before unboxing after seeing some of the problems. I was particularly worried about the paint color.
I was impressed as hell when I opened it up but mine came with a small problem, crooked right rib plate. Asked for a replacement and waited. If SS didn't come through, I would return it.
As I waited for the replacement piece, I realized this piece is GROWING on me.
Got the replacement part (eventually) and I'm very happy with it.
There are still a few issues... I actually just found a few tiny (1 mm) paint blemishes on the hip just today while writing this post. It's probably not the only blemish on the statue, I didn't go over it with a magnifying glass and it's a BIG piece. The biggest issue is the burgundy. I watched the Avengers again and in some scenes, the armor seems to match to statue quite well, in other scenes (bright light) the armor in the movie looks a little more red.
But... the sheer presence of this statue is undeniable. The shiny paint finish is incredible. I received the Mark VII 1:1 bust at the same time and returned it because it looked like a big DULL lump.
Anyway, put me in the category of quietly satisfied. I feel the same way I did when I got my first 1/4 scale statues. It makes every smaller scale statue seem less impressive.