Just finished episode 20. Nice progress! Metal armour is a great one for the early game. Although it might not stand up to pogrom-level mayhem, it is very nice against traders. If you think those are heavy/restrictive in terms of TUs/Stam, wait until you get the advanced tac armors!
If I may recommend something, it would be a heavy flamer (you already have the research available). Those things are deadly! I find myself cackling madly using them. I am surprised you have not given the basic flamethrower a try as well, that's still pretty decent (but nowhere near as good as the heavy flamer). Getting up close and hitting multiple times, you can rack up a fair amount of damage that also ignores personal armour (and is amplified on certain targets). I'd expect the power armour dudes to be fireproof though, unfortunately :/
And on the "Ivan moments", I think they make the charm of your LPs. You are very entertaining to watch and very easy to relate to as well, which keeps drawing me back (and reminds me that it is a game and I don't have to be such a perfectionist when I play mine). I'd say you have helped me enjoy the game more.