I don't see what's so impossible for Stark going from Malibu to the Middle East. His energy tech is based on efficient solar panel in the comics, and in the film the arc reactor act as the primary source. Iron Man suit is certainly not limited to a short 300 km trip.
And thank god they cut the ladies scene out. Female viewers still like the character because of his reckoning when he becomes less ladies man after his escape. Even James Bond is less sleaze than Tony Stark for having multiple ladies at a time. Being Don Juan is okay, Hugh Hefner-like is despicable more so for a comic/kids oriented character.