Pika
I am researching everything I can on tri's and wetsuits as I have my first one coming up and a wetsuit is required.

Upon surfing the net I came across a tri wetsuit site (no idea where now) that said as you start walking/running out of the water unzip and strip to your waist. Once out of the water move to the side to let others pass and take off your suit as soon as you get out. The reasoning behind this is wetsuits are easier to take off when there is still the thin layer of water and then also you can run to transition easier. If you wait, by the time you get to transition it has drained off thus making it harder to peel off.

I have no experience in this but it seemed logical.

BTW everything I have read said that it should fit like a second skin and if they are too big water can pool in especially in the crotch area and add drag. They are supposed to be tight, tight, tight but still give good range of motion. So it sounds to me like you made the better decision.

Good luck!