i don't know about matured as a filmmaker?
maybe matured as in he'snot 20 anymore. also it wouldn;t have taken away from the fight with sammo at all just gave it more build up. and it did fit with the scene cause it made sense to have a mafia boss just sitting there by himself. maybe they should put in a scene like daredevil when kingpin told them to clear the building. as for the tony jaa donnie thats probably more hear say then actual fact. but i'll find out i know a couple ofpeople close to donnie so i'll ask them