Yes, I am always using my mini 2 in combination with my Epix 2 Pro 51mm and/or my edge 1040. I miss some functionality like to request or view iR (premium) weather via the remote, to delete messages via the remote, to add/delete contacts via the iR remote...I hope Garmin will improve this.
Yes, by far my preferred way to use iR functionality. I can read and respond to messages without losing a stride during my trail runs.