I wish Pepper was Rescue still as well. The problem is, last time she showed up in armor, they didn't call her Rescue. It's so frustrating, since I loved the Rescue parts of Fraction's Iron Man.
I don't love the background tone of "Peter is a loser" that even my favorite main continuity run (JMS) sometimes hits too hard, but I thought this was all very sensible, continuity related failure. But describing Peter and MJ's relationship as a pillow isn't accurate, I think. They're partners, and they give each other hope for tomorrow. That's not just leaning your head on a soft piece of upholstery.