Flock,
I haven't the time to reply and do your post the justice it deserves.
However, I imagine that many have had similar experiences, whether alone or with a P2.
I have, and it was remarkably similar to your post, getting chased by unforecast weather.
I don't think you were reckless at all, and certainly not cowards, most of those are dead.
It's one of those great 'ticks in the box', something that you will both have learnt a great deal from I imagine.
Accept it for what it was, you will be better prepared in the future, and job well done
Kokpit.