I think this was very poorly done by BS. One of the things that RJ had built up very well was Rand's madness and descent into darkness. It seems as though someone flipped a switch and he was everything that he was not a mere hour before. I felt as though his revelation should have reversed the process. We should have spent much of this book watching him evolve from what he had been into what he must be. Perhaps discovering some abilities along the way.

It is very much over the top as it is written. Tea should not spoil while he is around. However, apples should not appear on the trees, and he should not expect it. The phenomenon should have been understated.

The book does infer that the DO's chance at ultimate victory ended with Rand's epiphany, which makes sense.