The best way to test your base is to let them attack you, you said the downside is losing some elixirs? who are you kidding? the real downside is losing lots of gold and elixir and trophy when they pulverize your town to the ground in playing REAL scenarios not self re-enactments. watch the replays, learn troop AI's, better placement of traps and defense buildings. This game is all about patience and trial and error and you are removing the fun out of the game.
