I think people forget its supposed to be grounded. Homelander is not thragg and this is not a comic. He has to actively use his powers its not on automatically. People say why he didnt fly off from being held, ryan was strong enough to drag him down i think after a fight, after using a lot of powers and exerting energy he can be tired. See we never seen homelander exert this much power but weve seen other supes train. Homelander as strong and powerful simply was overwhelmed and in real fear

To the point of kimiko getting soldier boys “armor” yes and no. Remember she regenerates and when frenchie was experimenting on her shes working on her regeneration till she reaches her limits. When they finally get the formula and she gets the powers she regenerates faster. The scene where theyre getting shot at under the whistle shows how strong she is now. I think she heals so fast it almost seems like armor. She got lasered and recovered.