It's a matter of can vs will. Ironman mode does two very critical things. One: Removes the temptation altogether. You dont need to test your resolve. You have no choice. Two: Increases the tension. It fundamentally changes how you play. You have to be cautious and treat the battles as dangerous.
Well I didn't wanted to sound rude with my original post, but you are really limiting your game experience if you keep reloading in other games.
So yeah, I see your first point, but not really the second. If you don't cheat yourself you have to be cautious and so on aswell.