This is wonderfully spot on! I feel horrible bringing Zutara into this, but you made an interesting point about how Mai gravitates towards her opposite in personality (Zuko) and I just thought I'd mention that the "opposites attract" theory applies more to Maiko than Zutara...
*got that out of system*
I like how you put new meaning into Mai's character. I feel that she's just an intelligent, strong-willed rich girl under fancy clothes and the cordial personality that was forced upon her at a young age. With Zuko, she's learning the value of "pointless acts". You've made some exellent points!